Cataracts in Children and Infants

What are Cataracts in Children and Infants?

Cataracts in children and infants occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy or opaque. Normally, the eye lens allows light to pass through and provides clear vision. However, when cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision. This condition can be present from birth or develop in early childhood.

Symptoms of Cataracts in Children and Infants

Symptoms of cataracts in children and infants typically include:

⬩White or cloudy appearance in the eyes

⬩Eye misalignment (strabismus)

⬩Unstable or decreased vision

⬩Blurred vision

⬩Sensitivity to light

⬩Inability to follow objects

Regular eye examinations are important for early diagnosis.

⬩Medications taken by the mother during pregnancy

⬩Certain diseases contracted by the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella, malaria, or toxoplasmosis

⬩Exposure of the fetus to radiation in the womb

⬩Genetic factors

⬩Certain genetic syndromes such as Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, or Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

There can be many causes of congenital cataracts. The most common causes are listed below:

Treatment of Cataracts in Children and Infants

The only treatment for cataracts in children and infants is surgical intervention. This procedure differs from cataract surgery performed on adults. Because it is difficult to determine the appropriate lens power for young children, intraocular lenses are generally not implanted in children under 2 years old. However, children under 2 years who undergo surgery on both eyes are often operated again at the age of 4 to implant intraocular lenses. For children over 2 years old, intraocular lenses can be implanted during the surgical intervention.