Paediatric cataract
Although this condition is often associated with the elderly people, unfortunately we also encounter cases of cataracts in children, which are detected even just after birth.

Can children have cataract?
Yes! A pregnant woman’s condition and the medication she is taking can indicate whether the baby will be at greater risk of cataract. Unfortunately, this can be caused by infections of pregnant women during the foetal period. These include cytomegalovirus, rubella or toxoplasmosis, which is a contagious disease transmitted by cats. It is important to remember that a lack of proper hygiene when washing fruit and vegetables or eating raw meat can also contribute to the occurrence of congenital cataracts in children.

Causes of cataract in children
It is advisable to take care of your own and your baby’s health already during pregnancy. Unfortunately, congenital cataracts in children are not talked about very often and the consequences of untreated cataract can lead to permanent vision loss. Causes include not only infectious diseases in the foetus occurring during pregnancy, but also metabolic diseases in the child (galactosaemia, hypocalcaemic syndromes), chromosomal disorders (Down syndrome) or genetic conditions (one parent had congenital cataract).
Congenital cataracts in children – what should you know?
Congenital cataracts is a serious condition that not only causes what is known as hazy vision. It may also lead to permanent damage to the organ of vision. Early diagnosis and regular examinations with an ophthalmologist are very important, especially as symptoms may be mild from the start of the disease.
During the first few months after birth, infants’ eyesight is formed, but in the process they may also develop eye disease. Any rubbing of the eyes, putting the hands to the eyelids and inserting fingers should be of concern to parents. In these cases, follow-up with a paediatric ophthalmologist is essential. Early treatment will help preserve children’s chances of normal visual development.
Symptoms of congenital cataracts in children:
- white or grey pupil
- oculo-digital phenomenon
- persistent rubbing of the eyes
- photophobia
- occurrence of strabismus
- lack of interest in objects shown
- rapid and uncontrolled eye movements
Parents are usually able to notice these symptoms of cataracts in children. However, in the case of this disease, reduced visual acuity often occurs, and the child is not always able to communicate this problem to his or her caregivers. According to the guidelines of the Polish Society of Ophthalmology, eye examinations in children should be carried out during the child’s first year of life and then at 3 and 6 years of age.
Diagnostic visits for cataracts step by step:
1. A detailed history collected from the parents includes information needed by the specialist about diseases occurring in the family, especially those related to the organ of vision.
2. Testing with Lea grating tests. These are grey cards with black and white stripes. By covering one eye of the patient, the doctor checks how the other eyeball reacts to the visual stimulus. It is worth knowing here that a lack of interest in the paddles shown on the part of the patient can also be a symptom of cataract.
3. Examination using a slit-lamp or operating microscope, which allow detailed examination of the anterior segment of the eye under variable magnification.
4. Examination of the fundus of the eye after dilating the pupil using a Fison indirect ophthalmoscope.
5. In some cases, a non-invasive B-mode ultrasound is performed. The ophthalmologist applies an ultrasound probe coated with a special gel to the patient’s eye and assesses the posterior pole of the eyeball.
Diagnostic tests for suspected congenital cataracts are painless and brief. The paediatric specialists have a sympathetic approach to the young patients, taking care of their comfort throughout the diagnosis and communicating all important information to the parents in an understandable and comprehensive way.
The diagnosis sometimes needs to be extended if the patient has bilateral cataracts.
In such a case, the following tests are performed:
- urine – to determine whether reducing substances or amino acids are present
- TORCH – can detect toxoplasmosis, rubella, herpes virus and cytomegalovirus
- VDRL screening test
- concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, glucose and galactokinase in erythrocytes

How to treat cataracts in children?
The only effective treatment for cataracts in children is surgery to remove the cloudy lens. In children under one year of age, surgery should be performed as soon as possible after diagnosis due to the limitation in the development of normal vision and the inability to focus.

Is congenital cataract surgery in children safe?
Yes! Cataract surgery in children is safe. Delaying the decision when the doctor recommends surgery can lead to a significant deterioration of vision or even blindness.
Find out more!
Need information? Do you have questions? Feel free to contact us!



