The association of posterior capsular lens opacities with bilateral acoustic neuromas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2
M. I. Kaiser-Kupfer, V. Freidlin, M. B. Datiles, P. A. Edwards, J. L. Sherman, D. Parry, L. M. McCain and R. Eldridge
Clinical Branch, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892.
This study of 47 patients from 11 families with neurofibromatosis type 2
(NF 2) confirms our previously reported association between posterior
capsular cataract and NF 2. A highly significant statistical association
was found between the presence of posterior capsular lens opacities and the
presence of NF 2 as determined by magnetic resonance imaging or pathologic
diagnosis. This association was not present for other types of lens
opacities that could be the result of age-related or nonspecific changes.
When considering the diagnosis of NF 2, this finding now makes it essential
to use a careful dilated biomicroscopic examination of the lens to evaluate
known, suspected, or at-risk individuals for this potentially early
associated manifestation.
