Congenital cataract

05 May 2022

Congenital cataract is the condition that occurs when a child is born with cataracts, which means they are born with an opaque lens, so their vision is compromised. Cataracts can affect vision if they are complete or central, and large enough to cover the pupillary area (the central area of the eye where light enters).

They can be unilateral or bilateral, with or without other ocular anomalies (cornea, retina...) and are usually hereditary, although there are other causes, such as intrauterine infection, chromosomal syndrome, metabolic and renal diseases. Pediatric ophthalmologists should rule out these possibilities.

Aging is the main cause of cataracts, as our crystalline lens becomes more opaque over the years. However, there are other factors that are not related to age, such as trauma, eye or physical diseases, use of certain medications or genetic conditions.

There is no way to prevent hereditary cataracts or those caused by other related eye conditions. Ophthalmologic examination is very important during the first weeks of a child's life, for the correct development of his or her vision, since early detection is key to be able to start a correct treatment in time. For this reason, the first eye examination after birth is recommended to rule out cataracts and other congenital vision anomalies.

When a cataract affects an infant's or child's vision development, surgery should be performed as soon as possible. If minor effects on visual development are suspected, they should be checked frequently by an ophthalmologist specializing in congenital cataracts, as these are different from those of adults and have very different consequences.

In bilateral congenital cataracts the ideal treatment period is before 10-12 weeks of life, and in unilateral cataracts, before 6 weeks of life. Within this period is when the best results are obtained in terms of prognosis of vision recovery.