Paediatric Cataracts

Paediatric Cataracts: Protecting Your Child’s Vision at Madurai Eye Center, Coimbatore

At Madurai Eye Center, Coimbatore, we understand the importance of safeguarding your child’s precious vision. Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, can develop in children and affect their visual development. Early detection and treatment are crucial to ensure optimal vision outcomes.

This page addresses your concerns about paediatric cataracts, providing information on causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and potential complications.

Understanding Pediatric Cataracts

Unlike cataracts in adults, which often develop due to ageing, paediatric cataracts can be present at birth (congenital) or develop in early childhood. A healthy eye lens is clear, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. A cataract in a child’s lens can cloud or block light passage, hindering vision development.

Causes of Pediatric Cataracts

Several factors can contribute to cataracts in children:

• Genetic factors: Certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of congenital cataracts.
• Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus (CMV), can affect the developing baby’s eyes and lead to cataracts.
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions in a newborn, like metabolic disorders or Down syndrome, can sometimes be associated with cataracts.
• Trauma: Injury to the eye can cause cataracts to develop in a child.

Risk Factors for Pediatric Cataracts

Children with a family history of cataracts, or those born with certain medical conditions, are at an increased risk. Additionally, children who experience eye trauma or infections during pregnancy or infancy may be more susceptible.

Symptoms of Pediatric Cataracts

Since children may not be able to verbalise their vision problems, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of cataracts:

• White pupil: A normally black pupil may appear white or cloudy due to the cataract.
• Strabismus (crossed eyes): This can occur as the child’s brain tries to compensate for blurry vision in one or both eyes.
• Poor eye contact: A child with cataracts may not make good eye contact due to vision difficulties.
• Difficulty following objects: The inability to track moving objects with their eyes could indicate impaired vision.
• Sensitivity to light: A child with cataracts may be more sensitive to bright light.

Diagnosing Paediatric Cataracts

At Madurai Eye Center, our experienced ophthalmologists utilise specialised techniques to diagnose cataracts in children. Since traditional eye charts may not be feasible for young children, ophthalmologists may employ:

• Retinoscopy: This painless test measures how light reflects off the back of the eye, providing information about the lens clarity.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Using a specialised instrument, the ophthalmologist examines the internal structures of the eye, including the lens.
• Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) Test: This test measures the brain’s electrical response to visual stimuli, helping assess a child’s visual function.

Treatment for Paediatric Cataracts

Cataract surgery is typically the recommended treatment for children with cataracts that are affecting their vision development. Madurai Eye Center utilises advanced surgical techniques tailored for paediatric patients. The procedure involves removing the clouded lens and implanting a clear artificial lens.

Potential Complications of Paediatric Cataracts

Untreated cataracts in children can lead to significant vision impairment, including amblyopia (lazy eye), where the brain favours one eye over the other due to blurry vision in the affected eye. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss and ensure proper visual development.

Preventing Paediatric Cataracts

While not all cataracts are preventable, certain steps can help reduce the risk:

• Prenatal care: Regular prenatal care and managing health conditions during pregnancy can minimise the risk of infections that could affect the developing baby’s eyes.
• Protecting children’s eyes from UV rays: Using sunglasses with UV protection can help shield children’s eyes from harmful sunlight.

Madurai Eye Center: Your Partner in Paediatric Eye Care

At Madurai Eye Center, our team of highly skilled ophthalmologists and caring staff are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care for children. We understand the unique needs of young patients and strive to create a comfortable and positive experience. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, schedule an appointment at Madurai Eye Center. Early detection and treatment can ensure a brighter future for your child’s sight