Causes of Cataracts in Children

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Childhood cataract is a rare condition in children but can significantly affect their vision. Cataracts in children occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and prevents light from focusing properly on the retina. The retina is a layer at the back of the eye that transmits images to the brain. Cataracts can cause children to see the world as blurry or hazy.

What are the causes of cataracts in children?

Cataracts in children can develop generally due to congenital (present at birth) or acquired causes during childhood. The causes are as follows: Babies can be born with cataracts. This condition often arises due to genetic disorders or infections that the mother was exposed to during pregnancy. Infections such as measles, mumps, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus are among the factors that can lead to the disease. Some types of cataracts can be genetically inherited. Inherited diseases caused by genes passed on from parents can lead to their development in children. Eye injuries or trauma can contribute to this condition. Children who experience trauma to the eye area, especially from blunt force, may be at risk. Certain medications, especially those used during pregnancy or by children, can contribute to the development of the disease. Some systemic diseases, especially diabetes, Down syndrome, and metabolic disorders, can cause cataracts in children.

What are the treatment methods?

The treatment can vary depending on the type, severity, and age of the child.

Generally, surgical intervention is the common treatment for cataracts in children. During the surgical procedure, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The timing of the surgery depends on the child’s age and condition, and it can be performed either shortly after birth or when the disease has advanced.

Some children may require the use of glasses or contact lenses after surgery. This helps with focusing the child’s eyes and can improve visual quality.

In cases where cataracts are not diagnosed or treated early, amblyopia (vision loss due to lazy eye) can develop in children. In such cases, amblyopia treatment is administered. The aim is to correct amblyopia through methods such as eye patching therapy, glasses or contact lenses, and eye exercises.

Regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial during the treatment process in children. An eye doctor monitors the child’s eye health through regular post-operative examinations and provides additional treatments or adjustments as necessary.

How long does cataract surgery take in children?

The duration of the surgery can vary depending on several factors. The size, density, and location of the cataract can affect the duration of the surgery. Some types of cataracts can be more complex and require a longer surgical time. Different surgical techniques can be used. For example, manual surgery or phacoemulsification (breaking up the lens using ultrasonic energy and suction) can be employed. The choice of surgical technique can impact the duration of the surgery. In some cases, unexpected complications may arise during the surgery, such as damage to intraocular structures or issues with the iris, which can extend the duration of the surgery. Typically, cataract surgery in children can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour. However, since each child’s condition is unique, the duration of the surgery can vary based on the assessment and treatment plan provided by your doctor. The surgery duration can be influenced by the child’s condition, the experience of the surgical team, and the technology utilized.