Cataract in Children and Infant

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Cataract in Children and Infant
Kudret Göz Hastanesi
28 January 2025
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Children’s eye health plays a critical role in their growth and development. In this article, we will discuss what cataract in children and infants is, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods, prevention tips and other important information that parents should know.

What is cataract in children and infants?

Cataract in children and babies is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. Normally, the eye lens transmits light and provides clear vision. However, when cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy and vision deteriorates. This condition may be present from the birth of children or may develop in early childhood.

What are the Symptoms of Cataract in Children and Infants?

Symptoms of cataracts in children and babies usually include

  • White or blurred appearance in the eyes
  • Eye shift (strabismus)
  • Unstable or decreased vision in the eyes
  • Hazy vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Inability to follow surrounding objects

Regular eye examinations are important for early diagnosis.

  • Medicines used by the mother during pregnancy
  • certain diseases that the mother had during pregnancy, such as rubella, malaria or toxoplasmosis
  • Exposure of the baby to radiation in the womb
  • Genetic factors
  • Some genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome or Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome

Congenital cataract can have many causes. The most common causes can be listed as follows:

Cataract Treatment in Children and Infants

The only treatment for cataract in children and infants is surgery. This procedure is different from cataract surgery for adults. Since it is difficult to decide the power of the lens in young children, intraocular lenses are usually not placed in children under 2 years of age. However, children under 2 years of age who have undergone surgery in both eyes are usually operated on again for intraocular lens implantation when they are 4 years old. In children over 2 years of age, intraocular lenses can be inserted during surgical intervention.

Cataract Treatment Prices in Children and Infants

Cataract surgery costs can vary from person to person and one of the most important factors in determining these costs is the type of intraocular lens to be used. Generally, cataract surgery costs vary depending on the features of the patient’s preferred smart lens.

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The above information is for informational purposes. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our ophthalmologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Congenital cataract is a rare condition, but it is an important factor causing vision loss during childhood. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for visual development.

If cataract is left untreated, lazy eye (amblyopia) may develop and vision may be permanently reduced. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is very important.

Cataracts are usually treated with surgery. During surgery, the clouded lens is removed and can be replaced with an artificial lens or treated without a lens.

Depending on the type and severity of the cataract, surgery is usually performed within the first few months after birth. This is a critical period for visual development.

Since the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, cataracts do not occur again. However, the lens capsule may become dull over time. This can be easily corrected with laser treatment.
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