Opacities of the lens in the eye (cataracts) can result from a variety of causes such as infections, trauma, and various systemic diseases. Some like this one are inherited as the result of a mutation in a gene.
This is a rare form of cataract having so far been reported in only one family. The parents were second cousins and among their 4 children, three (two boys and a girl) were born with cataracts. Nothing has been reported regarding the appearance of the lens opacities (cataracts) but all of the children were healthy otherwise. Vision was not reported.
This is an autosomal recessive condition in which both copies of a gene have been changed (mutated). The parents apparently did not have cataracts but since they each carried one copy of the mutation, they could expect the future children would have a 25% risk of being born with cataracts.
The diagnosis is made by an eye doctor. If the cataracts interfere sufficiently with vision, surgery may be indicated. Longevity is likely not impacted.