WERNER1 described cataracts associated with scleroderma in four brothers and sisters. Since his publication in 1904, the syndrome to which his name has been attached has been considerably altered. Endocrine abnormalities, including hypogonadism, osteoporosis, and hyperglycemia have been added features, whereas one of the two original characteristics, the sclerotic tightening of the skin has proved not to be scleroderma. Contrary to early reports of cataracts developing in the second and third decades, Schott and Dann2 observed the onset in the fourth decade, also mentioning instances in which all characteristics of the syndrome were not present. They considered these as "forme fruste." It is therefore possible to diagnose Werner's syndrome by only one of the two original signs, if there are endocrine and skeletal findings.
Franceschetti and Maeder3 defined Werner's syndrome as cataracts associated with scleroderma, and differentiated it from