Pediatric Cataract
What is Pediatric Cataract?
While cataracts are most commonly associated with older adults, children can also be affected. The clinical name for this is pediatric cataract. It occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, obstructing the pathway of light that travels to the retina.
Pediatric cataract can cause a range of sight problems, from blurred vision to complete vision loss.
What Causes Pediatric Cataract?
There are two types of pediatric cataract:
- Congenital: The cataract is present from birth
- Acquired: The cataract develops after the child is born
Sometimes there is no known cause. However, metabolic disorders such as diabetes can be a trigger. There is also a genetic link, making it more likely in children who have a parent or sibling with a history of the condition. Eye trauma can also be a cause.
How is Pediatric Cataract Treated?
The key to treating pediatric cataract is early detection. Children's eyes continue developing for the first decade of life. Without effective treatment, pediatric cataracts can cause lasting vision problems or, in severe cases, blindness.
Unlike the single surgical procedure used to treat cataracts in adults, cataracts in children require a long-term approach. An ophthalmologist who specializes in pediatric cataract will first assess the extent of the condition. Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes. When both are affected, one eye is often more severely involved. They can also appear in different areas of the lens, ranging from small dots to a dense cloud.
In most cases, pediatric cataracts require surgery. After the procedure, a long-term treatment plan is put in place. This may include one or more of the following:
- Glasses
- Contact lenses
- IOLs (intraocular lenses): artificial lenses placed within the eye to replace the natural, clouded lens
- Patching: Because the pathways between the eyes and the brain are still developing, pediatric cataract can sometimes lead to a condition called "lazy eye." In these cases, wearing a patch over the stronger eye helps stimulate vision development in the weaker one.
What Happens During Pediatric Cataract Surgery?
Pediatric cataract surgery is an intricate procedure performed by a specialist eye surgeon using techniques and equipment specifically designed for pediatric patients. Infants' and children's eyes are not yet full size, and the connections between the eyes and the brain are not yet fully formed.
While there are some risks, untreated pediatric cataract can cause lasting vision problems or blindness. Potential complications with pediatric cataract surgery include:
- Infection
- Glaucoma
- Detached retina
- The need for further surgery
The recommended approach depends on the severity of the condition. Your pediatric ophthalmologist will discuss the best treatment plan, including the prognosis and any associated risks.
Early Detection & Effective Pediatric Cataract Management
Whether pediatric cataracts are congenital or acquired, they require a strategic, long-term treatment plan to protect long-term vision. Treatment is tailored to the child's condition and focuses on stimulating normal eye development during the first 10 years of life, when pathways are being established between the eyes and the brain. Cataracts disrupt this process, leading to faulty connections that cannot be corrected once fully formed. This is why early detection is so important.
Cataracts present from birth are often diagnosed before mother and baby leave the hospital. Others are identified during routine well-baby examinations. Sometimes parents notice them and bring them to the attention of their pediatrician.
Acquired pediatric cataracts are generally detected during a regular eye exam or following an eye injury.
Surgery is typically the first element of treatment. Once performed, additional strategies are put in place to support healthy eye-brain connections. The combination of early detection, surgery, and ongoing corrective care generally means a positive prognosis for children with pediatric cataracts.
