Classification of congenital cataracts based on multidimensional phenotypes and its association with visual outcomes

●AIM:To establish a classification for congenital cataracts that can facilitate individualized treatment and help identify individuals with a high likelihood of different visual outcomes.●METHODS:Consecutive patients diagnosed with congenital cataracts and undergoing surgery between January 2005 and November 2021 were recruited.Data on visual outcomes and the phenotypic characteristics of ocular biometry and the anterior and posterior segments were extracted from the patients’medical records.A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed.The main outcome measure was the identification of distinct clusters of eyes with congenital cataracts.●RESULTS:A total of 164 children(299 eyes)were divided into two clusters based on their ocular features.Cluster 1(96 eyes)had a shorter axial length(mean±SD,19.44±1.68 mm),a low prevalence of macular abnormalities(1.04%),and no retinal abnormalities or posterior cataracts.Cluster 2(203 eyes)had a greater axial length(mean±SD,20.42±2.10 mm)and a higher prevalence of macular abnormalities(8.37%),retinal abnormalities(98.52%),and posterior cataracts(4.93%).Compared with the eyes in Cluster 2(57.14%),those in Cluster 1(71.88%)had a 2.2 times higher chance of good best-corrected visual acuity[<0.7 logMAR;OR(95%CI),2.20(1.25–3.81);P=0.006].●CONCLUSION:This retrospective study categorizes congenital cataracts into two distinct clusters,each associated with a different likelihood of visual outcomes.This innovative classification may enable the personalization and prioritization of early interventions for patients who may gain the greatest benefit,thereby making strides toward precision medicine in the field of congenital cataracts.

Characterization of N6-methyladenosine long non-coding RNAs in sporadic congenital cataract and age-related cataract

AIM:To characterize the N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification patterns in long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in sporadic congenital cataract(CC)and age-related cataract(ARC).METHODS:Anterior capsule of the lens were collected from patients with CC and ARC.Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify m6A-tagged lncRNAs and lncRNAs expression.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses and Gene Ontology annotation were used to predict potential functions of the m6A-lncRNAs.RESULTS:Large amount of m6A peaks within lncRNA were identified for both CC and ARC,while the level was much higher in ARC(49870 peaks)than that in CC(18688 peaks),yet those difference between ARC in younger age group(ARC-1)and ARC in elder age group(ARC-2)was quite slight.A total of 1305 hypermethylated and 1178 hypomethylated lncRNAs,as well as 182 differential expressed lncRNAs were exhibited in ARC compared with CC.On the other hand,5893 hypermethylated and 5213 hypomethylated lncRNAs,as well as 155 significantly altered lncRNA were identified in ARC-2 compared with ARC-1.Altered lncRNAs in ARC were mainly associated with the organization and biogenesis of intracellular organelles,as well as nucleotide excision repair.CONCLUSION:Our results for the first time present an overview of the m6A methylomes of lncRNA in CC and ARC,providing a solid basis and uncovering a new insight to reveal the potential pathogenic mechanism of CC and ARC.

Abnormal function of EPHA2/p.R957P mutant in congenital cataract

AIM:To identify genetic defects in a Chinese family with congenital posterior polar cataracts and assess the pathogenicity.METHODS:A four-generation Chinese family affected with autosomal dominant congenital cataract was recruited.Nineteen individuals took part in this study including 5 affected and 14 unaffected individuals.Sanger sequencing targeted hot-spot regions of 27 congenital cataract-causing genes for variant discovery.The pathogenicity of the variant was evaluated by the guidelines of American College of Medical Genetics and InterVar software.Confocal microscopy was applied to detect the subcellular localization of fluorescence-labeled ephrin type-A receptor 2(EPHA2).Co-immunoprecipitation assay was implemented to estimate the interaction between EphA2 and other lens membrane proteins.The mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting assay,respectively.The cell migration was analyzed by wound healing assay.Zebrafish model was generated by ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant to demonstrate whether the mutant could cause lens opacity in vivo.RESULTS:A novel missense and pathogenic variant c.2870G>C was identified in the sterile alpha motif(SAM)domain of EPHA2.Functional studies demonstrated the variant’s impact:reduced EPHA2 protein expression,altered subcellular localization,and disrupted interactions with other lens membrane proteins.This mutant notably enhanced human lens epithelial cell migration,and induced a central cloudy region and roughness in zebrafish lenses with ectopic expression of human EPHA2/p.R957P mutant under differential interference contrast(DIC)optics.CONCLUSION:Novel pathogenic c.2870G>C variant of EPHA2 in a Chinese congenital cataract family contributes to disease pathogenesis.

Novel MIP gene mutation causes autosomal-dominant congenital cataract

●AIM:To identify disease-causative mutations in families with congenital cataract.●METHODS:Two Chinese families with autosomaldominant congenital cataract(ADCC)were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations.Gene panel next-generation sequencing of common pathogenic genes of congenital cataract was performed in the proband of each family.Sanger sequencing was used to valid the candidate gene mutations and sequence the other family members for co-segregation analysis.The effect of sequence changes on protein structure and function was predicted through bioinformatics analysis.Major intrinsic protein(MIP)-wildtype and MIP-G29R plasmids were constructed and microinjected into zebrafish single-cell stage embryos.Zebrafish embryonic lens phenotypes were screened using confocal microscopy.●RESULTS:A novel heterozygous mutation(c.85G>A;p.G29R)in the MIP gene was identified in the proband of one family.A known heterozygous mutation(c.97C>T;p.R33C;rs864309693)in MIP was found in the proband of another family.In-silico prediction indicated that the novel mutation might affect the MIP protein function.Zebrafish embryonic lens was uniformly transparent in both wild-type PCS2+MIP and mutant PCS2+MIP.●CONCLUSION:Two missense mutations in the MIP gene in Chinese cataract families are identified,and one of which is novel.These findings expand the genetic spectrum of MIP mutations associated with cataracts.The functional studies suggest that the novel MIP mutation might not be a gain-of-function but a loss-of-function mutation.

Classification of congenital thumb hypoplasia and deformity

Background:Congenital thumb deformities account for one-third or more of all cases of congenital hand deformity.However,the current classification schemes of congenital thumb hypoplasia are no longer adequate due to their lack of adaptability to increasing knowledge in the field.Hence,a modified system with the potential to adapt to ongoing advances in knowledge and understanding is desperately needed.Methods:Based on the photographs collected from thousands of cases of congenital deformities of the hand and upper limb over multiple decades in our department,we subdivided thumb hypoplasia according to the variables of morphological characteristics,anatomical structures,functional status,the relationship between thumb deformity and hand deformity,the relationship between congenital hand deformity syndrome and thumb hypoplasia,and the selection of treatment methods.Results:A total of 10 types were presented,which were elucidated with nomenclatures as well as pathological feature and symptoms.Conclusion:This modified system may shed additional light on the classification of congenital thumb anomalies,which will assist in a more effective selection of treatment modalities and offers significant benefits to both patients and practice.

Factors associated with strabismus after cataract extraction and primary intraocular lens implantation in congenital cataracts

AIM:To evaluate factors associated with the development of strabismus after cataract extraction and primary intraocular lens implantation.METHODS:The medical records of 122 patients,aged1.5mo to 9y,who had undergone cataract extraction with primary intraocular lens implantation between January1993 and August 2011 were reviewed.Fourteen patients(17 eyes)with strabismus before cataract surgery were excluded.Patients were divided into those with congenital bilateral cataracts(64 patients,128 eyes)and those with unilateral cataracts(44 patients,44 eyes).The associations between the development of strabismus and age at cataract surgery,pre-and post-cataract extraction corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),interocular CDVA difference,nystagmus,surgical method,and secondary cataract were evaluated.RESULTS:Factors significantly associated with the development of strabismus included age at cataract surgery(≤1y),preoperative mean CDVA≤20/100,presence of nystagmus in the bilateral cataract group and postoperative interocular CDVA difference】20/70 in the unilateral group.Postoperative CDVA≤20/100 and preservation of posterior capsule,and presence of secondary cataract were significant factors in both groups.CONCLUSION:Children with congenital cataracts should be monitored carefully after cataract surgery for the development of strabismus,especially when they underwent surgery at age≤1y,and they have nystagmus,large postoperative interocular CDVA difference,poor preoperative and postoperative CDVA,preservation of the posterior capsule,or secondary cataract.

Epidemiology and molecular genetics of congenital cataracts

Congenital cataract is a crystallin severe blinding disease and genetic factors in disease development are important. Crystallin growth is under a combination of genes and their products in time and space to complete the coordination role of the guidance. Congenital cataract-related genes, included crystallin protein gene (CRYAA, CRYAB, CRYBA1/A3, CRYBA4, CRYBB1, CRYBB2, CRYBB3, CRYGC, CRYGD, CRYGS), gap junction channel protein gene (GJA1, GJA3, GJA8), membrane protein gene (GJA3, GJA8, MIP, LIM2), cytoskeletal protein gene (BF-SP2), transcription factor genes (HSF4, MAF, PITX3, PAX6), ferritin light chain gene (FTL), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and so on. Currently, there are about 39 genetic loci isolated to which primary cataracts have been mapped, although the number is constantly increasing and depends to some extent on definition. We summarized the recent advances on epidemiology and genetic locations of congenital cataract in this review.

Use of high-throughput targeted exome sequencing in genetic diagnosis of Chinese family with congenital cataract

AIM： To identify disease-causing mutation in a congenital cataract family using enrichment of targeted genes combined with next-generation sequencing.· METHODS： A total of 371 known genes related to inherited eye diseases of the proband was selected and captured, followed by high-throughput sequencing. The sequencing data were analyzed by established bioinformatics pipeline. Validation was performed by Sanger sequencing.·RESULTS： A recurrent heterozygous non-synonymous mutation c.130 G A（p.V44M） in the GJA3 gene was identified in the proband. The result was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The mutation showed co-segregation with the disease phenotype in the family but was not detected in unaffected controls.·CONCLUSION： Targeted exome sequencing is a rapid,high-throughput and cost-efficient method for screening known genes and could be applied to the routine gene diagnosis of congenital cataract.

Changes of corneal central thickness of aphakia following congenital cataract surgery under the first six months of life

AIM: To observe the central corneal thickness (CCT) changes in infants and young children who had been undergone bilateral congenital cataract surgery, and to compare the changes with normal control group which was selected from healthy population. METHODS: A cross section case-control study contained 28 cases (56 eyes) of bilateral aphakia (aphakic group) due to congenital cataract surgery combining with posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and with anterior vitrectomy during 2-6 months after birth. Fourteen children (28 eyes) of age-sex matched with the aphalic group were selected as normal control group. CCT and intraocular pressure (TOP) were measured postoperatively and the results were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean CCT was 653.5 +/- 82.4 mu m in the aphakic group and 579.6 +/- 39.2 mu m in the control group, with a significant difference (P=0.000). The mean value of TOP in aphakic group (22.0 +/- 1.6mmHg) was greater than that of control group (16.9 +/- 2.1mmHg), P=0.023. There was a negative correlation between age and CCT in normal control group (r=-0.531, P=0.026), and there was no correlation in bilateral aphakia group (r=-0.324, P=0.165). CONCLUSION: Aphakic children due to congenital cataract surgery have a greater CCT than normal children. It is necessary to consider CCT in evaluating IOP for children after congenital cataract surgery.

Effect of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) on congenital cataract surgery

AIM: To assess the efficacy of intracameral enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin) infusion, in variable doses on postoperative inflammatory response in congenital cataract surgery.METHODS: It is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Eighty eyes of 53 children with congenital cataract were enrolled in this study. Every eye had primary posterior capsulorrhexis and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after lens aspiration. The eyes were divided into 4 equal groups. In group 1 balanced salt solution (BSS) without enoxaparin was used as an irrigation solution. Whereas in group 2, 3 and 4, 40mg, 20mg and 10mg enoxaparin in 500mL BSS was used respectively. The inflammatory response in the anterior chamber was compared among the groups with slit-lamp biomicroscopy.RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was (17.75±3.95) months in group 1, (18.00±5.15) months in group 2, (19.20±5.47) months in group 3 and (18.65±5.16) months in group 4. Mean number of inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber in group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2, 3, 4 (P <0.001). There was fibrin formation in the anterior chambers of 3 eyes in group 1 and one eye in group 4. There was synechiae formation in 3 eyes of group 1 and one eye of group 4. There was no significant difference among the groups by means of fibrin or synechiae formation (P>0.05). There were IOL precipitates in 4 eyes of group 1 and 2 eyes of group 4. IOL precipitate formation was significantly higher in group 1 than that of group 2 and 3 in which there was no IOL precipitate (P=0.048). There was IOL subluxation in only one eye of group 1, 3 and 4 while no subluxation was observed in group 2 (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference detected about IOL subluxation occurance in all 4 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Complications of cataract surgery in congenital cataract patients associated with postoperative inflammatory response found to be decreased with the use of enoxaparin in intraocular infusion solutions. Furthermore according to our results the anti-inflammatory effect of enoxaparin was dose dependant.

Expression of lens-related microRNAs in transparent infant lenses and congenital cataract

AIM：To identify the expression of lens-related micro RNAs（miRNAs）in the central epithelium of transparent infant lenses and congenital cataract. METHODS：Lens-related mi RNAs were retrieved from Pub Med database. The expression levels of these mi RNAs in transparent infant lenses and congenital cataract were determined by stem-loop reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）. mi Randa algorithm was used to predict the target genes of these differentially expressed mi RNAs. The target m RNA was validated.RESULTS：Six lens-related mi RNAs were retrieved from screening Pub Med database. The most abundant mi RNA in transparent infant lenses according to stem-loop RT-PCR was mi R-184. miR-182 was up-regulated in congenital cataract. Contrarily,miR-204 and miR-124 was down-regulated.mi R-204 exhibited a more significant decrease in expression than mi R-124. In addition,Meis2 was predicted to be the target of mi R-204 using mi Randa algorithm. mi R-204mimic/antagomir transfection experiments suggested the negative correlation between the expression of mi R-204 and Meis2.CONCLUSION：The expression levels of miR-182,miR-204 and mi R-124 differ between the central epithelium of transparent infant lens and congenital cataract,suggesting their involvement in the pathogenesis of congenital cataract. miR-204 may act via silencing Meis2 to regulate lens development and congenital cataract formation.

Clinical features of strabismus and nystagmus in bilateral congenital cataracts

AIM：To evaluate the prevalence,clinical features,and the factors affecting onset of strabismus and nystagmus in patients with bilateral congenital cataracts.METHODS：This study evaluated 116 eyes of 58 patients who underwent lens removal for the treatment of bilateral congenital cataracts between January 1999 and January 2011.The presence and type of strabismus and nystagmus were determined before and after surgery.Type of strabismus and final visual acuity were compared in patients with and without nystagmus.Patients were divided into three groups（orthotropia/orthotropia,orthotropia/strabismus,and strabismus/strabismus） according to their preoperative and postoperative ocular alignment.Age at cataract surgery and associations of nystagmus and primary intraocular lens（IOL） implantation with strabismus were analyzed.RESULTS：Six patients（10.3%） had strabismus preoperatively and an additional 11（19.0%） developed postoperative strabismus.Exotropia was more common than esotropia both preoperatively and postoperatively.Eighteen patients（31.0%） had postoperative nystagmus,with sensory nystagmus being the most common type.Of the 18 patients with nystagmus,10 had strabismus,with exotropia being more common than esotropia.Postoperative visual acuity was poor in patients with nystagmus.Age at cataract surgery and rate of primary IOL implantation were significantly lower,and postoperative nystagmus was more common,in the orthotropia/strabismus group than in the other two groups.CONCLUSION：Exotropia and sensory nystagmus are common in patients with bilateral congenital cataracts.Age at cataract surgery and rate of IOL implantation are lowerand nystagmus more common in patients with postoperative onset of strabismus.Nystagmus is associated with poor visual prognosis.

A novel splice site mutation of CRYBA3/A 1 gene associated with congenital cataract in a Chinese family

AIM： To identify the disease-causing mutation responsible for the presence of congenital cataract in a Chinese family. METHODS： The study recruited a four-generation Chinese pedigree affected by autosomal dominant congenital cataract （ADCC）. Family history and the history of cataract extraction were recorded. Blood samples were collected from individuals for DNA extraction. Direct sequencing of congenital cataract-associated genes was performed. Single-strand conformational polymorphism and bioinformatic analysis were conducted to further study the mutation. RESULTS： Direct sequencing revealed a novel splice site mutation of c.30-2 A〉G in the CRYBA3/A1 gene. The mutation co-segregated within all affected individuals in the family and was not found in unaffected members or 100 unrelated normal controls. These results were further confirmed by single-strand conformational polymorphism and bioinformatic analysis using the Human Splicing Finder and MaxEnt online software and Annovar computer software. CONCLUSION： c,30-2 A〉G mutation of CRYBA3/A1 gene is a novel mutation and broadens the genetic spectrum of ADCC, KEYWORDS： splice site mutation; congenital cataract; CRYBA3/A1 gene

Novel mutations in CRYBB1/CRYBB2 identified by targeted exome sequencing in Chinese families with congenital cataract

AIM：To summarize the phenotypes and identify the underlying genetic cause of the CRYBB1 and CRYBB2 gene responsible for congenital cataract in two Chinese families.METHODS：Detailed family histories and clinical data were collected from patients during an ophthalmologic examination. Of 523 inheritable genetic vision systemrelated genes were captured and sequenced by targeted next-generation sequencing,and the results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The possible functional impacts of an amino acid substitution were performed with Poly Phen-2 and SIFT predictions.RESULTS：The patients in the two families were affected with congenital cataract. Sixty-five （FAMILY-1） and sixty two （FAMILY-2） single-nucleotide polymorphisms and indels were selected by recommended filtering criteria.Segregation was then analyzed by applying Sanger sequencing with the family members. A heterozygous CRYBB1 mutation in exon 4 （c.347T〉C, p.L116P） was identified in sixteen patients in FAMILY-1. A heterozygous CRYBB2 mutation in exon 5 （c.355G〉A, p.G119R） was identified in three patients in FAMILY-2. Each mutation cosegregated with the affected individuals and did not exist in unaffected family members and 200 unrelated normal controls.The mutation was predicted to be highly conservative and to be deleterious by both PolyPhen-2 and SIFT.CONCLUSION：TheCRYBB1 mutation（c.347T〉C）and CRYBB2 mutation （c.355G〉A） are novel in patients with congenital cataract. We summarize the variable phenotypes among the patients, which expanded the phenotypic spectrum of congenital cataract in a different ethnic background.

A mutated CRYGD associated with congenital coralliform cataracts in two Chinese pedigrees

AIM:To investigate the causal gene mutation and clinical characteristics for two Chinese families with autosomal dominant congenital coralliform cataract.METHODS:Two Chinese pedigrees with congenital cataract were investigated.Routine ophthalmic examinations were performed on all patients and non-affected family members.Peripheral blood samples were collected,and the genomic DNAs were extracted.The coding regions of proband’s DNAs were analyzed with cataract gene panel.The identified mutation was amplified by polymerase chain reaction,and automated sequencing was performed in other members of two families to verify whether the mutated gene was co-segregated with the disease.RESULTS:Congenital coralliform cataract was inherited in an autosomal dominant mode in both pedigrees.For each family,more than half of the family members were affected.All patients presented with severe visual impairment after birth as a result of bilateral symmetric coralliform lens opacification.An exact the same defect in the same gene,a heterozygous mutation of c.70 C>A(p.P24 T)in exon 2 of γ Dcrystallin gene,was detected in both probands from each family.Sanger sequencing analysis demonstrated that the mutated CRYGD was co-segregated in these two families.CONCLUSION:A c.70 C>A(p.P24 T)variant in CRYGD gene was reconfirmed to be the causal gene in two Chinese pedigrees.It is known that mutated CRYGD caused most of the congenital coralliform cataracts,suggesting that the CRYGD gene is associated with coralliform congenital cataract.

Increased prevalence of parent ratings of ADHD symptoms among children with bilateral congenital cataracts

AIM: To investigate the behavioral and psychological disorders and the prevalence of parent ratings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) symptoms among children with bilateral congenital cataracts(CCs). METHODS: This cross-sectional study investigated children with bilateral CC aged 3-8 y(CC group) using Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-48(CPRS-48) from July to December 2016. The abnormal rates of psychological symptoms in CC children and normal vision(NV) children were compared using the Chi-square test. The scores of CC children were compared with those of NV children and the Chinese urban norm using the independent samples t-test and one-sample t-test, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The ratio of CC children to NV children was 119:143. The overall rate of psychological symptoms in CC children was 2.28 times higher than that in NV children(46.22% vs 20.28%, Pearson’s χ2=20.062;P<0.001). CC children showed higher scores for conduct problems, learning problems, impulsiveness/hyperactivity, anxiety, and hyperactivity index than NV children and the Chinese urban norm, particularly between the ages of 3 and 5 y. Furthermore, male children aged between 6 and 8 y showed a higher impulsive/hyperactive score than females of the same age(t=6.083, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Children with bilateral CCs have a higher rate of ADHD symptoms than children with NV. This study provides clinical evidence that screening for psychological symptoms and particularly for ADHD symptoms in children with bilateral CC are recommended for an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Ocular development in children with unilateral congenital cataract and persistent fetal vasculature

AIM: To investigate the ocular development of patients who had unilateral congenital cataract(CC) combined with persistent fetal vasculature(PFV).METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study included patients who had unilateral CC and PFV and those with isolated unilateral CC.Axial length(AL), keratometry, anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness, and vitreous length were obtained.The ocular biometric parameters of the affected eyes of patients with CC and PFV were compared with the fellow eyes and with the affected eyes of patients with isolated CC.RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were included and divided into 4 groups: group 1(18 patients with CC and PFV, <24 mo), group 2(22 patients with CC and PFV, ≥24 mo), group 3(35 patients with CC, <24 mo), and group 4(35 patients with CC, ≥24 mo).The ALs of the affected eyes were shorter than those of the fellow eyes in group 1(20.02±1.06 vs 20.66±0.63 mm, P=0.025).While the ALs of the affected eyes were longer than those of the fellow eyes in group 2(23.18±2.00 vs 22.31±1.06 mm, P=0.044) and group 4(22.64±1.80 vs 22.02±1.01 mm, P=0.033).The keratometries of the affected eyes were steeper than those of the fellow eyes in group 2(44.78±1.66 vs 43.83±1.38 D,P=0.041) and group 4(43.76±1.91 vs 43.34±1.46 D, P=0.043).No difference of ACDs between two eyes was found in all groups(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Compared with the fellow eyes, the ALs of the eyes with unilateral CC and PFV are shorter in patients younger than 24 mo and longer in those older than 24 mo;the keratometries of the eyes with unilateral CC and PFV are steeper in patients older than 24 mo and similar with those younger than 24 mo.These findings provide further understanding of ocular development in patients with both CC and PFV.

Significance of Axial Length Monitoring in Children with Congenital Cataract and Update of Measurement Methods

Congenital cataract is the main cause of blindness in children, with significantly varying treatment effects. The development of axial length is an important factor that affects the prognosis of these children.However,when compared with the eyes of normal children,the mechanism of growth of the axial length is so complicated that the reported findings differ significantly in terms of the measuring apparatus,assessment methods,and statistical outcome,making the rule of axial length development still unclear. In this paper, we first review the process of axial length development in normal healthy children and compare different hypotheses about certain factors that could affect the development of axial length. The results of some current research about the characteristics of axial length development in congenital cataract children are then reviewed. Lastly, the advantages and disadvantages of current axial length measurements methods are compared and analyzed.The purpose of this review is to improve our understanding of the complexity and importance of axial length development and to suggest better use of axial length monitoring measurements in congenital cataract children for pediatric ophthalmologists,with the hope of offering assistance that will enhance long-term therapeutic effects for these children.

Congenital Cataract: Progress in Surgical Treatment and Postoperative Recoveryof Visual Function

Congenital cataract is a common cause of childhood low vision or blindness worldwide..Early surgery should be performed in sensitive vision development period to avoid vision deprivation in cases of strabismus and nystagmus development. Postoperative recovery of visual function is of great significance for these patients and should include proper postoperative aphakia correction by the application of a contact lens and secondary implantation of an intraocular lens(IOL). Patients should receive amblyopic training after surgery to improve their postoperative visual acuity..Although recent advances in surgery techniques and materials have brought better postoperative visual acuity and less complications, a few postoperative complications can still hamper vision condition and vision development,.including posterior capsule opacification and secondary glaucoma. Surgery in early infancy are risk factors for these two complications..Life-long follow-up is essential for these patients..Further study will continue to address the surgery timing issue and methods that prevent postoperative complications.

A Novel HSF4 Mutation in a Chinese Family with Autosomal Dominant Congenital Cataract

This study was aimed to identify the mutation of the whole coding region of shock transcription factor 4（HSF4） gene in a Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital cataract（ADCC）. All exons of HSF4 were amplified by PCR. Sequence analysis of PCR products was performed. Restriction fragment length polymorphism（RFLP） analysis was conducted to confirm the pathogenic mutation. The results showed that a C to T substitution occurred at nucleotide 331 in patients of this family, leading to the replacement of the amino acid arginine-111 with cysteine in exon 3. RFLP analysis showed that the amino acid change was co-segregated with all affected individuals. It was concluded that the new mutation of c.331C〉T in HSF4 DNA may be responsible for the autosomal dominant congenital cataract in this family.