- Main symptoms
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
- What causes congenital cataracts
Congenital cataract is a malformation of the lens of the eye that develops during pregnancy and, therefore, the baby is born with this alteration, causing a whitish film to exist inside the eye.
This change can affect only one eye or both and is usually curable through simple surgery that replaces the baby's eye lens.
When there is a suspicion of the existence of congenital cataract, an ophthalmologist should be consulted to perform the red reflex exam and to start the appropriate treatment. See how this exam is done.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main symptoms
Congenital cataracts are present from the moment of birth, but in some cases, it can take several months before it is identified, when parents or other caregivers of the baby observe a whitish film inside the eye, creating the sensation of an "opaque pupil".
In some cases, this film can also develop and worsen over time, but when it is identified, it must be informed to the pediatrician to start the appropriate treatment and avoid the appearance of difficulty in seeing.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The best way to confirm the diagnosis of congenital cataract is to have a red reflex test, also known as a little eye test, in which the doctor projects a special light over the baby's eye to see if there are any changes in the structures.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for congenital cataracts depends on the severity of the disease, the degree of vision and the baby's age, but it is usually done with congenital cataract surgery to replace the lens, which must be done between 6 weeks of age and 3 months. However, this time may vary depending on the doctor and the child's history.
Generally, surgery is done on one eye under local anesthesia and after 1 month it is done on the other, and during recovery it is necessary to put some eye drops indicated by the ophthalmologist, to relieve the baby's discomfort and also to prevent the appearance of an infection.
In cases of partial congenital cataract, the use of medication or eye drops may be indicated instead of surgery.
What causes congenital cataracts
Most congenital cataracts do not have a specific cause, but the most common ones include:
- Metabolic disorders in pregnancy; Infections of the pregnant woman with toxoplasmosis, rubella, herpes or cytomegalovirus; Deformities in the development of the baby's skull.
Congenital cataracts can also be caused by genetic factors, and a baby with similar cases in the family is more likely to be born with a congenital cataract.
