What is Rosette Cataract?

Rosette cataract is a type of traumatic cataract. Traumatic cataract is the clouding of the lens that occurs either by blunt trauma to the head or eye region or penetrating ocular trauma resulting in the disruption of the lens fibers. This in turn prevents a clear image from forming on the retina. As mentioned, a rosette cataract can be formed by the sudden impact of blunt force. This holds true specially if the impacted area is or around the eye-ball. 60% of traumatic cataracts happen after the onset of minor concussion. The rosette cataract may be stable or progressive and can occur due to various shearing forces that introduce pathologic changes to the lenticular composition.

Rosette Cataract Symptoms

The major symptom related to rosette-shaped cataract is the clouding of the lens which could extend to the entirety of the lens.

Causes of Rosette Cataract

Some of the causes for rosette cataract are:

• Blunt force trauma to the head
• Ocular trauma to the eyeball
• Exposure to radiation
• Electrocution
• Chemical burns

Rosette Cataract Types

Rosette cataract is one of the most common traumatic cataracts involving blunt force trauma following both concussion and perforating injuries. It can occur either in the presence or the absence of a capsular tear. 

Early rosette cataract – The formation of early rosette cataract occurs in the anterior capsule and sometimes in posterior capsules or both simultaneously. It generally appears as feathering lines of opacities along the star shaped suture line.

Late rosette cataract – The formation of late rosette cataract generally occurs a few years after an injury. It is usually found deep lying in the cortex and nucleus and develops in the posterior cortex. This type of cataract has sutural extensions that are shorter and more compact as compared to early rosette.