Causes for various congenital cataracts

Common cataracts come from the clustering of the lens’ protein as people age. Unfortunately, it is estimated that about 0.4% of infants are born with cataract, named congenital cataract. While peripheral cataract and tiny cataract do not consider a surgery as a necessity, most of children with cataracts should receive a surgery to restore clear vision.

There are opposite opinions about the time at which infants with cataract should receive a surgery. Some professionals say that a cataract surgery should be performed within three months after the birth of a baby, in order to get clear vision to allow the normal development of its vision system.

Other experts show more concerns about the safety issues that a cataract surgery may impose on the children. Both complications including high internal eye pressure and the use of anesthesia during the procedure may exert dangerous factors on children’s eyes. Their concerns also come from the implantation of IOLs, which are believed to hamper infants’ eye growth. Once IOLs are inserted, they should be replaced at different intervals, since children’s eyes are growing and changing.

IOLs are not the single solution. Eyeglasses and contact lenses can also be used to provide clear vision for infants after a cataract surgery. Some young children may be reluctant to wear eyeglasses or contacts, due to their inconvenience and potential scoffing from their counterparts. Parents should take some skills as well as complimentary remarks. If your child is lazy, you can apply extended contact lenses while he or she is sleeping. Parents may also set an example in wearing glasses, even if they do not need them.

Those unusual congenital cataracts may result from various reasons: inherited tendencies, infection, metabolic problems, diabetes, trauma, inflammation and drug reactions. Infections in pregnant women such as measles, rubeola and chicken pox are proved to cause potential cataracts. Another type of cataract named pediatric cataract has been found on older babies and children, which may be caused by trauma problems.

Congenital cataracts have different types, depending on different parts of the eye lens at which they are commonly found. Mostly associated with inherited traits, anterior polar cataract is located in the front part of the lens, while posterior polar cataract usually appears in the back portion. Another common form is nuclear cataract, which is situated in the central lens. Displaying in small, bluish dots in both of the lens, cerulean cataract is also related to inherited tendencies.

Congenital cataracts may lead to amblyopia, potential strabismus and focusing inability. Without early treatment, children’s school performance, personality and even future lives can be affected.