Cataract Galactose

Galactose Cataract: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cataract is an eye disease in which the lens loses its transparency and becomes cloudy. Cataracts can be caused by a variety of factors, including heredity, age, injury and disease. One of the rare types of cataracts is galactose cataract, which occurs with galactosemia.

Galactosemia is an inherited disease in which the body cannot properly process galactose, a component of milk. This leads to an accumulation of galactose in tissues, which can cause various problems, including galactose cataracts.

Galactose cataracts usually develop in the first weeks and months of life, when the baby begins to eat formula or breast milk containing galactose. Symptoms of galactose cataracts may include a white reflex in the pupil, poor response to light, and decreased vision. If galactose cataracts are not treated, they can lead to complete blindness.

Treatment for galactose cataracts involves eliminating galactose from the child's diet, which can lead to improvement in eye health. Surgery may also be required to remove the cataract and replace the lens with an artificial one. However, if treatment is done too late, permanent damage to the eye and decreased vision may result.

In conclusion, galactose cataract is a rare eye disease that is caused by a disorder in the body's processing of galactose. It is important to notice the symptoms of galactose cataracts at an early age and begin treatment immediately to avoid serious consequences for vision. If you suspect galactose cataracts, be sure to consult an ophthalmologist.



Galactosemia (GZ) is a hereditary disorder of carbohydrate metabolism with metabolic disorders, in particular galactose and glucose. A genetic defect can be caused by the presence of a mutation in a gene on the X chromosome or 4 genes on 2 autosomal chromosomes. Since 2003, half of the cases have been identified as having an autologous mutation that cannot be transferred via the oocyte and therefore results in congenital galactosemic epilepsy in the carrier. In half of the cases, a determinative mutation was identified that passes through the germ cells and, thus, can lead to both oligophrenia and pathological conditions of the liver. Classification Gene mutations protein defect Genotypes Disorders Cell galactosylation levels Normal enzymes normal plasma liver cell GBA HNCDP galactosyltransferase Intact 0%, 70