Congenital cataracts are clouding in the eye lens present at birth, hindering normal vision development of an infant.
But is it a serious eye condition?
The answer is yes; Cataracts in infants are often considered serious eye conditions that require immediate medical treatment.
As a parent, it is important to be well aware of the signs and symptoms of Congenital Cataracts to seek timely treatment.
Let us proceed with the article to learn about the causes, symptoms, types, and available treatment options for Congenital Cataracts in detail.
What is Congenital Cataract
In simple terms, Congenital Cataracts are the Cataracts that babies are born with.
Cataracts, in general, are an eye condition that results in clouding of the eye lens due to protein lump formation.
Typically, Cataracts that affect children are known as Pediatric Cataracts.
Congenital Cataracts are a type of Pediatric Cataracts found in babies.
Besides Congenital Cataracts, Acquired Cataracts are the other type of Pediatric Cataracts.
Congenital Pediatric Cataracts are present in the baby at birth, whereas Acquired Pediatric Cataracts develop in children within a few years after birth.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 14 million children worldwide have been affected by Congenital Cataracts.
In adults, Cataracts develop after the complete development of their vision. But in the case of kids, Cataracts are formed during the development stage of the eyes.
Therefore, these may possibly cause more serious complications.
Hence, it is best to seek prompt medical treatment if your child has a Congenital Cataract.
Symptoms of Congenital Cataract
Source: Siganture_imagesGenerally, the symptoms of Congenital Cataracts are similar to ordinary Cataract Symptoms.
To detect Congenital Cataracts in infants, it is important to lookout for the following symptoms:
- Gray or white cloudiness on the pupil
- Visible difference between the two eyes
- Unusual eye movements
- Any visual unawareness or incapability
If you notice any of the above symptoms, consider contacting an eye doctor immediately.
Your eye doctor may suggest undergoing comprehensive eye tests to diagnose your child’s eye condition accurately.
Causes of Congenital Cataracts
There can be various factors that might lead to the development of Congenital Cataracts in infants.
A significant factor contributing to Congenital Cataracts in babies is the presence of Cataracts in the family history.
Some genetic mutations inherited from the parents may affect the structure of the child’s eye, leading to Congenital Cataracts.
Additionally, injuries or infections during pregnancy may also make the child prone to developing Cataracts.
Moreover, certain metabolic disorders such as Galactosemia and Lowe Syndrome may also result in Congenital Cataracts.
It is essential to note that it is often difficult to diagnose the exact cause of Congenital Cataracts due to the multifactorial nature of this eye condition.
What Are the Types of Congenital Cataracts
There are various types of Congenital Cataracts based on location and structure.
Each of these types may have different impacts on the eye, often resulting in distinct symptoms.
Let us learn more about these types of Congenital Cataracts below.
- Nuclear Congenital Cataract: Nuclear Cataract are the most common kind of Cataracts that affect the central part of the eye lens
- Cortical Congenital Cataract: Cortical Cataract impacts the outer layer of the eye lens, often resulting in wedge-shaped clouding
- Lamellar Congenital Cataract (Zonular Cataract): Zonular Cataract affects a particular zone or layer of the eye lens
- Anterior Polar Congenital Cataract: This Cataract affects the front part of the eye lens
- Posterior Polar Congenital Cataract: This type of Cataract affects the back part of the eye lens
- Pulverulent Congenital Cataract: This Cataract results in fine, dust-like opacities scattered throughout the lens
- Total Congenital Cataract: Involves the entire lens and may cause significant visual impairment from birth
Besides these types, Congenital Cataracts can be categorized based on the number of eyes affected.
Some Congenital Cataracts may be present only in one eye, known as Unilateral Cataracts.
Whereas other Congenital Cataracts affect both eyes simultaneously and are known as Bilateral Cataracts.
Congenital Cataract Treatment
Source: PixelshotAt present, Cataract Surgery is the only effective treatment for all types of Cataracts.
However, conducting eye surgeries on infants is a riskier process that requires specialized surgical equipment.
Therefore, Cataract surgery on infants is usually avoided, especially for mild cases.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend alternative treatment options, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, to manage Cataracts in your child.
In some cases, patching of the active eye may be needed to restore movement in the other eye.
Additionally, the treatment may involve addressing the underlying medical conditions behind Congenital Cataracts.
Therefore, it is important to visit a trusted and authorized eye doctor to manage Congenital Cataracts in your child
Conclusion
Congenital Cataracts are the condition of eye lens clouding in newborn infants.
The symptoms of Congenital Cataracts may include gray-white layering on the pupil, visual unawareness, or excessive eye movements.
Based on location and structure, Congenital Cataracts are classified into Nuclear, Cortical, Zonular, Anterior, Posterior, Pulverulent, or Total Congenital Cataracts.
Generally, these Cataracts are caused due to genetic factors that run in the family.
Additionally, injuries or other medical conditions during pregnancy also increase the risk of Cataracts in infants.
However, determining the exact cause of Congenital Cataracts is often difficult.
To address such Cataracts in infants, your doctor might recommend the use of corrective eyeglasses or eye patching.
Cataract surgery is typically avoided in infants due to potential complications.
It is essential to consult your eye doctor in time if you suspect your infant has Congenital Cataract.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Congenital Cataract is left untreated?
If left untreated, Congenital Cataracts may lead to severe vision impairment in the infant, resulting in total blindness.
Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment for Congenital Cataracts.
What disease causes Congenital Cataracts?
Certain medical conditions, such as Galactosemia and Lowe Syndrome, may lead to Congenital Cataracts in infants.
Additionally, the likelihood of developing Congenital Cataracts may increase with infections or other complications during pregnancy.
Why is there an urgency to deal with Congenital Cataracts?
In Congenital Cataracts, the eye is still at its developmental stage. Therefore, there is an increased risk of Cataracts causing serious visual impairment in newborn children.
This is why Congenital Cataracts are dealt with with urgency.
What happens if a baby is born with Cataracts?
The presence of Cataracts in a newborn can have a notable effect on both their vision and overall eye health. These Cataracts are referred to as Congenital Cataracts and may lead to various other complications in babies.
Therefore, it is best to get your infant’s eyes tested by an ophthalmologist.
What are some common Congenital Cataract complications?
Complications like Amblyopia (lazy eye) or Strabismus (crossed eyes) may arise in certain rare cases of Congenital Cataracts.
Consequently, it is important to seek prompt treatment for Congenital Cataracts from a certified doctor.
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