Cataracts in Children: Symptoms, Treatment and Care

Many believe that cataracts can only occur in adults, but they can occur in children too. Cataracts in children are called 'Paediatric Cataracts'. Children can be affected by cataracts in one or both eyes. In the lens, cloudy patches may appear bigger and this results in poor vision. The lens of an eye must be clear to point the images on to the retina and then the images are sent to the brain. There are two types of cataracts: juvenile and congenital.

What are the symptoms of cataracts in children?

The main reason behind cataract is the protein in the lens that becomes cloudy. In children, cataracts are rare though. In the beginning, only a little part of the eye is affected, but it increases progressively. There are different types of symptoms that include:

• Misaligned eyes
• Trouble in seeing
• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Seeing a circle (halo) around an object
• When a flashlight is shone, a pupil looks white
• Eye movements that can't be controlled (nystagmus)
• Need bright light for reading
• Single eye but double vision
• Fading of colours

What causes cataracts in children?

The build-up of the protein present in the eye causes cataracts in children. There are various types of cataracts

1. Congenital cataracts

This type of cataract often occurs in both eyes. Children who are born with cataracts or get them in childhood are called congenital cataracts. This cataract may not affect the vision of a child. But it needs to be removed.

2. Secondary cataracts

This happens due to some illness like an eye problem or diabetes. Medicines or steroids can cause secondary cataracts in children.

3. Traumatic cataracts

This type of cataract occurs because of some injury to the eye. The cataract may occur directly after the injury or after some time.

4. Radiation cataracts

This type of cataract occurs after exposure to some kind of radiation.

The following may cause cataracts

• Poisoning
• Use of steroids
• Diabetes
• Injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Glaucoma
• Down's Syndrome
• Some infections in mothers during pregnancy, like chickenpox and rubella

How to treat cataracts in children?

If cataracts are not affecting the vision of children, then there is no need for any treatment immediately. Instead, the child needs regular check-ups to monitor the vision. If the vision is affected by a cataract, then it is necessary to have surgery and remove the cloudy appearance of the lens. It is not predictable how much impact the surgery will have. Some children may suffer from a reduction in vision.  A general anaesthetic is provided to the child during the operation. It usually takes 1-2 hours of operation. The operation is handled by an ophthalmologist doctor, who is a specialist in treatment of eye conditions. In most cases, surgery is the first step towards a cure. Further treatment must help in eye-brain connections. Proper refractive correction is needed to point clear images on the retina.

Care for cataracts in children

In the beginning, vision may be blurry - it is normal. Children may also experience itchiness and discomfort. At night, eye patches or a protective shield should be worn. Children need to wear contact lenses and glasses after the surgery.  Because after the surgery, the vision would be blurred and a child may not be able to focus the images properly on his/her own.

Conclusion

The lenses of the eyes must be capable of focusing the images which they see onto the retina and then the signals are sent to the brain. The lenses of the eyes become cloudy and this condition is known as a cataract. Due to cataracts, light fails to fall on the retina. Conditions like Down's Syndrome, rubella, and chickenpox can lead to cataracts in a child. But medical science has developed and there are ways to cure cataracts through surgery.

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