Cataract is the clouding of the lens inside our eye, i.e., our own lens, losing its transparency. Adult cataracts generally occur in advanced age. As we age, like every organ in the body, the eye, and particularly the eye lens, undergo changes and the lens becomes cloudy and blurred.
What is Congenital Cataract?
Although cataract is known as a disease seen in old age, it can sometimes be observed during infancy or even from birth. The reasons for cataract, known as the loss of transparency and opacification of the lens, from birth include consanguineous marriages, medications taken by the mother during pregnancy, infections, exposure to radiation while the baby is still an embryo in the womb, and external factors such as smoking. It is crucial to diagnose and surgically treat cataract in infants in the early stage (first 12 weeks). While not intervening for up to 3 months does not cause too many problems in adults, early intervention is quite significant in infants.
How is Cataract Diagnosed in Infants?
If there is whiteness in the baby's eyes and they do not respond to light, a specialist should be consulted immediately for examination. Congenital cataract can exist in one eye or both eyes. If not promptly treated when detected, cataract can lead to permanent vision impairments. A cataract observed at the initial level at birth can progress by childhood and cause eye misalignment and strabismus. Even if there is no visible symptom, it is of great importance to have the baby undergo eye examinations at the frequency recommended by the physician from birth for the treatment and diagnosis of potential diseases.
How is Congenital Cataract Treated?
The only treatment method for congenital cataract is surgical. Through advanced laser technologies, healthy vision can be achieved from infancy. After the age of 2, intraocular lens placement can also be applied. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment method. The most common problem seen in congenital cataract is amblyopia. To prevent this, after surgery, glasses or contact lenses can be used, or an occlusion method can be applied.
Does Cataract Treated in Infants Recur in Later Age?
The tissue where cataract develops, i.e., the lens, is removed and replaced with a new lens. Since cataract will not develop on the newly placed lens, the condition does not recur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does congenital cataract cause permanent blindness in infants?
Yes, if congenital cataract is not detected and treated in time, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. It is necessary to diagnose within the first 12 weeks and perform surgical intervention because this period is critical for visual development. Since the cataract lens prevents the eye from properly perceiving visual stimuli, the connections between the brain and the eye may develop weakly, leading to amblyopia or permanent vision loss.
When should congenital cataract surgery be performed?
Is there a genetic transmission risk for congenital cataract?
Yes, some types of congenital cataract have genetic origins and may be inherited among family members. The frequency of congenital cataract occurrence increases in families with consanguineous marriages. Besides genetic transmission, infections contracted by the mother during pregnancy, exposure to radiation, use of certain medications, and environmental factors such as smoking can also lead to congenital cataract.