What It Is
Posterior polar subcapsular cataracts are focal lens opacities located at the posterior pole beneath the lens capsule. In Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, this posterior polar pattern has been reported as a hereditary cataract type.
Also Called: posterior polar cataract; posterior polar subcapsular cataract; PPSC; PPC; star cataract
Breeds Affected: Golden Retriever; Labrador Retriever
Breed Risk Note: This page is being used for the Labrador/Golden Retriever posterior polar subcapsular cataract pattern. Other breeds can develop posterior polar cataracts, but breed-page assignment here should stay evidence-specific.
The Idiot-Proof Explanation
This is a cataract in a specific spot at the back center of the lens. In Labs and Goldens, that pattern matters because it has been treated as a hereditary breed-linked cataract, not just a random cloudy-eye shrug.
What Causes It
The exact genetic mechanism is not a tidy one-test story for every dog, but prevalence and ophthalmology survey data support posterior polar subcapsular cataracts as a hereditary concern in Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
What Owners Actually Need To Know
Owners may not notice early cataracts at home, especially if the dog is still navigating well. That does not mean the eyes are fine. Regular eye exams matter, especially for breeding dogs. If vision changes, inflammation, or progression shows up, this becomes specialist territory.