Bilateral zonular cataract associated with the mitochondrial cytopathy of Pearson syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report a child with the mitochondrial cytopathy of Pearson syndrome and zonular cataract.

METHOD: Case report. We describe a 6-year-old boy with Pearson syndrome.

RESULTS

At age 3 years, the boy developed secondary strabismus caused by bilateral zonular cataract. Subsequently, he underwent successful bilateral cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Postoperative visual acuity with best correction was RE, 20/25 and LE, 20/40.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with Pearson syndrome should be examined ophthalmologically to rule out zonular cataract and possible amblyopia. Mitochondrial cytopathies such as Pearson syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of congenital and early juvenile cataract.