Studies of Families With Hereditary Cataracts

The objective of this study is to discover the genes responsible for the development of hereditary cataracts in families. A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye that obstructs the passage of light and may impair vision. Information from this study may provide a better understanding of why hereditary cataracts form and perhaps lead to the development of a test that can predict who will likely be affected and to what degree. Patients or family members of patients with inherited cataracts who participate in this study will be asked questions about their family history, especially concerning eye disease or cataracts, and a family tree will be drawn. They will undergo a complete eye examination, including photographs to document the clarity or opacity of the lens. In addition, a small blood sample will be drawn for use in gene mapping studies of inherited cataract.