Understanding Congenital Cataract: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
During infancy or at birth, congenital cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Various factors can cause congenital cataracts, including genetic mutations, intrauterine infections (like rubella or toxoplasmosis), metabolic disorders, maternal factors (such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy), or environmental factors (such as radiation or certain medications). Genetic syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities can cause congenital cataracts.
Congenital cataract symptoms include:
A cloudy or white pupil (the dark center of the eye)
Blurred vision or reduced visual acuity
Nystagmus is an abnormal movement of the eyes
Crossed eyes (strabismus)
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Tracking objects with the eyes is difficult
Infants and young children with delayed or impaired visual development
An eye examination is required to diagnose congenital cataracts:
Using a penlight or specialized instrument, the healthcare provider will check the pupil for cloudiness or opacity.
Using age-appropriate methods, such as preferential looking tests or visual evoked potentials (VEPs), visual acuity testing measures the clarity and sharpness of vision in infants and children.
Using a specialized microscope with a bright light source, the healthcare provider examines the structures of the eye, including the lens.
By dilating the pupil, a healthcare provider can see the lens and retina in detail and assess the extent of cataracts.
The severity of congenital cataracts and their impact on vision determine the treatment:
In cases where the cataract is causing significant visual impairment or is interfering with visual development, surgery (cataract extraction) may be necessary to remove the cataract. In order to restore vision, an intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted during surgery to replace the cloudy lens.
In cases where an intraocular lens is not implanted, glasses or contact lenses may be prescribed to correct refractive errors and improve vision.
Children and infants with congenital cataract may benefit from vision therapy and early intervention services to develop visual skills, adjust to changes in vision, and maximize their visual potential.
Congenital cataracts can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors and ensuring prenatal care:
A regular prenatal care regimen and avoiding known risk factors for congenital cataract, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and exposure to infections or harmful substances, can reduce the risk of cataract development in children.
Families with a history of congenital cataracts or other inherited eye disorders may benefit from genetic counseling to understand the risk of passing the condition onto future generations and explore family planning options.
As a result, congenital cataracts are clouded lenses that are present at birth or develop during infancy. They can be caused by genetic mutations, intrauterine infections, metabolic disorders, maternal factors, or environmental factors. A comprehensive eye examination is required to diagnose the condition, and treatments may include surgical removal of the cataract, visual rehabilitation, and corrective lenses. Congenital cataracts can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors and providing prenatal care. It is important to consult with an eye care professional for evaluation and appropriate management if you suspect your child has congenital cataract or have concerns about their vision.
