A congenital cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye, that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally a clear structure, which focuses light received by the eye onto the retina.
Alternative NamesCataract - congenital
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe number of people born with cataracts is low. In most patients, no specific cause can be found. Possible causes of congenital cataracts include the following:
A complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist will readily diagnose congenital cataract. The search for a possible cause may require examination by a pediatrician experienced in hereditary disorders and possible blood tests or x-rays.
TreatmentIn some cases, congenital cataracts are mild and do not affect vision, and these cases require no treatment. Moderate to severe cataracts that affect vision will require cataract removal surgery, followed by placement of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Patching to force the child to use the weaker eye may be required to prevent amblyopia.
Treatment for any underlying disorder may also be needed.
Expectations (prognosis)Cataract removal surgery with placement of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is routine, and usually has excellent results.
ComplicationsMany of the underlying diseases associated with congenital cataract involve many organs to a great degree.
Calling your health care providerCall for an urgent appointment with your baby's health care provider if you notice that the pupil of one or both eyes appears white or cloudy.
PreventionIf you have a family history of inheritable disorders that could cause congenital cataracts, consider seeking genetic counseling.
ReferencesGuercio JR, Martyn LJ. Congenital malformations of the eye and orbit. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007 Feb;40(1):113-40, vii.
Olitsky SE, Hug D, and Smith LP. Abnormalities of the lens. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007; chap 627.
There is only one "type" of cataract, which is a clouding of the eye's lens. Though this is true, cataracts can be divided into classifications based on cause (age-related, traumatic, congenital, etc.), opacity, location, and so forth.
Cataract.
A cataract is a waterfall.
Cataract is a noun.
A cataract is just a color change of YOUR lens inside your eye.
If an extracapsular cataract extraction was performed, a secondary cataract may develop in the remaining back portion of the capsule.
A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye.
Cataract - band - was created in 1998.
A cataract is a rushing stream of water in a natural setting. A cataract is also a progressive cloudiness in the eye's lens.
The Falls are in sections known as the Devils Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract
Some older methods of cataract surgery may have to be used if the cataract is too large to remove with a small incision, including: Extracapsular cataract extraction.Intracapsular cataract extraction
A cataract is like a waterfall.