Congenital Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside our eye, that is, our own lens, which loses its transparency. Adult cataracts usually occur at older ages. As we age, like every organ of the body, deterioration occurs in the eye and especially in the lens of the eye and the lens becomes cloudy and hazy.

What is congenital cataract? 

Although cataract is known as a disease that occurs in advanced ages, it is sometimes seen in infancy or even from birth. Cataract, which is known as the loss of transparency and opacification of the lens, can be seen from birth due to external factors such as consanguineous marriages, drugs used by the mother during pregnancy, infections, exposure to radiation while the baby is still an embryo in the womb and smoking. It is very important that cataracts in infants are diagnosed and operated early (in the first 12 weeks). While it does not pose much of a problem in adults when not intervened until 3 months, it is very important to intervene early in babies.

How to recognize cataract in infants? 

If the baby's eyes are white and do not react to light, a specialist physician should be consulted and checked immediately. Congenital cataract can be present in one eye or both eyes. If cataract is not intervened immediately when it is noticed, it may cause permanent visual impairment. Cataracts, which are observed at the initial level at birth, may progress when the child reaches childhood and may cause strabismus. Even if there is no visible symptom, it is of great importance for the treatment and diagnosis of possible diseases to have the baby's eyes checked as often as recommended by the physician from birth.

How is congenital cataract treated? 

The only treatment method for congenital cataract is surgery. Operations performed with advanced laser technologies can provide healthy vision from infancy. After the age of 2, intraocular lens implantation method can also be applied. Your physician will recommend the most appropriate treatment method. The most common problem in congenital cataract is lazy eye. In order to prevent this, glasses or contact lenses can be used after the surgery or a closure method can be applied.

Does cataract treated in infants recur in older ages? 

The tissue that develops cataract, the lens, is removed and replaced with a new lens. Since cataract will not develop in the new lens, the condition will not recur.