Development of Posterior Lenticonus Following the Diagnosis of Isolated Anterior Lenticonus in Alport Syndrome

Abstract

Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder that manifests as renal disease, hearing loss and ocular dysfunction. Lenticonus is one such ocular condition, in which the lens takes on an abnormal cone shape, with a protrusion either at the front or back of the lens. Both sides of the lens are rarely affected at the same time in the general patient population. Although anterior lenticonus is the type that is often reported in Alport syndrome, it is rare for such patients to have both anterior and posterior lenticonus. Here, the case of a 32-year-old male with Alport syndrome is described. The patient was diagnosed with a progressive posterior lenticonus, having been diagnosed eight years earlier with isolated anterior lenticonus. Examination of the eye revealed the typical indications of lenticonus with flecked retinopathy. The patient had co-presenting astigmatism and a refractive error, which could not be corrected by wearing contact lenses or spectacles. It is critical that such cases are anticipated and identified prior to performing surgery, so that an appropriate approach can be taken, thereby minimizing surgical complications.