Rare Christmas Tree Cataract Detected During Routine Health Check

A 70-year-old woman in Ho Chi Minh City learned she had a rare “Christmas tree” cataract after seeking care for occasional blurred vision while reading and increased sensitivity to bright light.

Doctors at Gia Dinh People’s Hospital examined P.T.O. during a nationwide health check and referred her for a specialist eye assessment. Her corrected vision measured 8/10 in both eyes, but an examination with a slit lamp after pupil dilation revealed sparkling, multicolored spots in the lens of her left eye.

Eye specialist Tran Cong Danh identified the condition as a Christmas tree cataract. It is marked by needle-shaped, multicolored crystals in the deeper lens cortex and anterior nucleus. Under the slit lamp, the crystals can reflect red, green, yellow, blue or pink light, creating an appearance similar to colored bulbs on a Christmas tree. Their colors may change depending on the angle of the light.

Doctors have not fully established the cause. Research suggests links to aging of the lens and abnormal protein breakdown, while a small number of cases have been associated with myotonic dystrophy. Like other cataracts, the condition may cause few symptoms at first and can lead to blurred vision as it progresses.

Because the woman’s vision remains well preserved and her daily life is not affected, doctors have not recommended treatment. They advised her to attend regular follow-up appointments so they can assess the condition and decide on further management if necessary.