Congenital Cataract 2024 Guide

Congenital cataracts—sometimes referred to as pediatric or infantile cataracts—are estimated to be responsible for 5%-20% of childhood blindness across the world. They can affect either one or both eyes. Most congenital cataracts are picked up at birth or within the first six months of a child’s life. 

Congenital Cataracts 2024: causes, diagnosis, and treatments

• Understanding congenital cataracts
• How congenital cataracts are diagnosed
• Treatments for congenital cataracts: a 2024 guide 

Understanding congenital cataracts

Congenital, or childhood, cataracts is a condition where there’s an abnormality to the lens of the eye. Instead of being clear and allowing unimpeded light to flow through it, the lens is cloudy. During the first few years of a child’s life, the brain is constantly forging new neural connections. This includes learning how to interpret this flow of light, which is what it translates into vision. This is known as the “visual pathway”. The most critical period is the first three to four months, although this vital development continues until around seven to eight years.

A congenital cataract disrupts this flow of light and, therefore, disrupts the evolution of the visual pathway. This doesn’t just affect how the child perceives the world around them—it also impacts the development of hand-eye coordination.

How congenital cataracts are diagnosed

There are many different types of pediatric cataracts. These are defined by where they are on the lens and their density. They can appear in one or both eyes—unilateral and bilateral. Those with the former usually have normal vision in their other eye.

Babies are screened at birth for cataracts and checked again at around six to eight weeks. Your eye doctor will also check for cataracts when your child has their regular eye checks. 

• Unilateral cataracts: These often have no definitive cause, although they’re sometimes linked to abnormal development in the womb.
• Bilateral cataracts: These tend to either run in families or are caused by infections, such as measles, while the baby is in the womb. Metabolic conditions can also be a cause.

Treatments for congenital cataracts: a 2024 guide

In 2024, there are many treatment options. Cataracts that don’t interfere with the child’s vision won’t require surgery. They’ll be monitored by a specialist ophthalmologist and, if necessary, external visual aids will be prescribed. This might include wearing an eye patch to encourage the creation of those vital eye-brain connections.

Surgery is considered only when the cataract/s have a more severe impact on vision. Because the first few months and years are so vital for neural connections to develop, if surgery is required it’ll be carried out as early as possible—usually in the first few months of life.

Such an operation is:

Carried out under general anesthetic.

The diseased lens is removed.

In the case of bilateral cataracts, both eyes might be treated at the same time. However, if one eye has a significantly denser cataract, they might have this operated on first and the other eye later.

The surgeon may or may not replace the diseased lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is because the lens in a child’s eye changes dramatically over the first few years. Therefore, an external contact lens or glasses are often used instead. If this option is used, then an IOL can be fitted when the child is older.

If a child is over two years old when they have the initial cataract surgery, then the surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of inserting an IOL. With the evolution of IOL technology, lenses have been developed that allow the prescription to be altered whilst in situ—this is an ongoing dynamic that the most advanced surgeons can experiment with.

However, every case of childhood cataract is different. Treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all, therefore you'll be guided by your congenital cataract surgeon’s expertise. Rest assured, risk factors and all considerations will be discussed so you can make the right decisions for your child.

Early detection and treatment are key. The sooner the problem is addressed and a treatment plan put in place, the better the future outcome for your child’s vision.

Age-Related, Traumatic, & Congenital Cataracts: 2024 Treatment at the WBEC

The West Boca Eye Center is a leading American clinic that specializes in both treating and the development of cutting-edge cataract treatment. Led by the world-renowned cataract specialist, Brent Bellotte M.D., this purpose-built facility plays a leading role in bringing the latest care and surgical procedures to the mainstream. 

Whether your child has been diagnosed with congenital cataracts or you’re looking for the best place to undergo a cataract removal procedure, you can be sure that you’re in the safest hands.

Discover more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery