 Cataracts
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A cataract is a clouding or opaque area over the lens of the eye -- an area that is normally transparent. As this thickening occurs, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina -- the light sensitive tissue lining located in the back of the eye. This clouding is caused when some of the protein which makes up the lens begins to clump together and interferes with vision. Cataracts occur in about 0.4 percent of children. They can affect either one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral).
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Some cataracts are small and do not cause any visual symptoms. However, other, more progressive, cataracts can cause visual problems in children. Cataracts in children are uncommon.
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A child may be born with the disease (congenital), or it may develop later in life (acquired). Possible causes of cataracts include the following:
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- trauma
- diabetes
- poisoning
- steroid use
- other childhood diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
- complications from other eye diseases, such as glaucoma
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The majority of congenital cataracts (those present at birth) are present in children who also have other eye problems or other health problems.
In approximately 25 percent of children born with congenital cataracts, the condition is due to a genetic cause such as a metabolic disorder (caused by an inherited enzyme deficiency) or a chromosome abnormality (i.e., Down syndrome).
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Did You Know?
The word "cataract" literally means "waterfall." For persons with an advanced cataract that covers a large portion of the eye lens, vision can be described as trying to see through a waterfall.
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The following are the most common symptoms of cataracts. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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- cloudy or blurry vision
- decreased vision
- lights appear too bright and/or present a glare or a surrounding halo
- white pupil upon flashlight examination
- double vision
- colors seem faded
- increased nearsightedness - increasing the need to change eyeglass prescriptions
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The symptoms of cataracts may resemble other eye conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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According to the National Eye Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, cataract types are subdivided accordingly:
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- age-related cataracts - The majority of cataracts are related to aging.
- congenital cataracts - Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. Some congenital cataracts do not affect vision, but others do and need to be removed.
- secondary cataracts - Secondary cataracts develop primarily as a result of another disease occurrence in the body (i.e., diabetes). Secondary cataract development has also been linked to steroid use.
- traumatic cataracts - Eye(s) that have sustained an injury may develop a traumatic cataract either immediately following the incident, or several years later.
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In addition to a complete medical history and eye examination of your child, diagnostic procedures for cataracts may include:
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- visual acuity test - the common eye chart test, which measures vision ability at various distances.
- pupil dilation - the pupil is widened with eyedrops to allow a close-up examination of the eye's retina.
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In addition, other tests may also be performed to help learn more about the health and structure of your child's eyes.
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Specific treatment for cataracts will be determined by your child's physician based on:
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- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
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Treatment is tailored to the child and the type of cataract he/she has. In some cases, vision loss caused by a cataract may be aided by eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, surgical removal of cataracts is often recommended in infants and children.
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Restoring Brennan's Vision
Diagnosed with a cataract at 12 months, Brennan Hughes-Shiverick needed surgery to extract the clouded lens in his left eye...
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