What type of cataract is associated with Wilson's Disease?

Wilson's Disease is a genetic disorder that leads to excessive accumulation of copper in the body, particularly affecting the liver and brain. One of the hallmark ocular findings associated with Wilson's Disease is the presence of a specific type of cataract known as the sunflower cataract.

Sunflower cataracts, also referred to as "copper" cataracts, are characterized by their distinctive appearance. They typically present as a golden or greenish-brown pigmentation in the lens, resembling the radiating pattern of a sunflower, which is caused by the deposition of copper within the lens fibers. These cataracts can often be bilateral and are related to the increased levels of copper that deposit in the lens during the progression of Wilson's Disease.

Recognizing this association is important for both diagnosis and management of patients with Wilson's Disease, as they may require more specific treatment for their condition alongside cataract surgery. Other types of cataracts, such as subcapsular or nuclear cataracts, do not have a direct relationship with Wilson's Disease.