Which term accurately describes a cataract located around the nucleus in a ring-like fashion?

Which term accurately describes a cataract located around the nucleus in a ring-like fashion?

• A. Capsular
• B. Nuclear
• C. Perinuclear/lamellar
• D. Axial

Answer: (C)

A ring around the nucleus is best described as perinuclear/lamellar cataract. Perinuclear (or lamellar) cataracts form concentric layers that encircle the nucleus, creating a zonal opacity surrounding the central lens. This ring-like pattern distinguishes it from nuclear cataracts, which are centered in the nucleus itself, capsular cataracts that involve the posterior capsule, and axial (central) cataracts that affect the visual axis without a surrounding ring. On exam, you’d see an opacity forming a circular layer around the nucleus, which is characteristic of the lamellar pattern.

A ring around the nucleus is best described as perinuclear/lamellar cataract. Perinuclear (or lamellar) cataracts form concentric layers that encircle the nucleus, creating a zonal opacity surrounding the central lens. This ring-like pattern distinguishes it from nuclear cataracts, which are centered in the nucleus itself, capsular cataracts that involve the posterior capsule, and axial (central) cataracts that affect the visual axis without a surrounding ring. On exam, you’d see an opacity forming a circular layer around the nucleus, which is characteristic of the lamellar pattern.