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Congenital cataract is a condition when the eye lens in a newborn appears cloudy. If not treated early by a doctor, congenital cataracts can cause vision problems or even blindness in babies.
Normally, the eyepiece is colorless or clear (transparent). The clearness of the eye lens serves to facilitate the refraction of light into the retina of the eye. If the lens of the eye is cloudy or affected by cataracts, it will be difficult for light to be refracted into the eye, causing visual disturbances.
Cataracts are more common in the elderly. However, in certain cases, this eye disorder can also occur in newborns. Cataracts that occur in newborns are called congenital cataracts. This type of cataract can occur in one or both eyes of the baby.
Symptoms and Causes of Congenital Cataracts
Cataracts in newborns are not always visible to the naked eye. This condition is generally only detected when the doctor checks the baby's eye.
Apart from a cloudy eye lens, a baby or child who has cataracts can also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Not responsive or responsive to light
- Difficult to distinguish colors
- Eyes appear whitish when exposed to light
- Uncontrolled eye movements or nystagmus
Congenital cataracts are usually hereditary. This means that a baby is more at risk of developing this condition if one or both parents have had cataracts.
Apart from heredity, there are several other factors that can also cause congenital cataracts, including:
1.
infectionA newborn can develop congenital cataracts if he or she has had an infection while in the womb.
Some infectious diseases that can cause babies to be born with congenital cataracts are TORCH infection, chickenpox, measles, polio, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and flu.
2. Premature birth
Babies born prematurely have a higher risk of developing congenital cataracts. This is because the eye lenses in premature babies are generally not fully formed.
3. Genetic disorders
Congenital cataracts can also occur due to genetic disorders that prevent the baby's eye lens from forming normally. Examples of genetic disorders that can cause congenital cataracts are Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and metabolic disorders such as galactosemia.
4. Drug side effects
The fetus is at risk for congenital cataracts if the mother takes certain drugs, such as tetracycline during pregnancy. This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infections.
5. Injury to the eye
Eye injury can also be one of the causes of newborns experiencing cataracts. This condition can be caused by many things, such as exposure to radiation to the baby's eyes.
Apart from some of the causes above, congenital cataracts can also occur due to other factors, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders in infants.
Congenital Cataract Diagnosis
Congenital cataracts are often difficult to recognize at an early stage. However, this condition can be detected when a newborn undergoes a physical examination by a pediatrician. If the baby is suspected of having congenital cataracts, the pediatrician can refer him/ her to an ophthalmologist for further eye examination.
In diagnosing congenital cataracts, the ophthalmologist will perform a physical examination of the baby's eyes and additional examinations, such as ophthalmoscopy, blood tests, eye pressure checks, to CT scans and eye ultrasound.
In children, the doctor may perform a complete eye exam and visual acuity test to determine if a congenital cataract is causing the child to have visual impairments.
Congenital Cataract Management
Congenital cataracts can be treated with cataract surgery. However, this operation is generally only performed if the congenital cataract that occurs is severe or has caused visual disturbances. This operation aims to remove the damaged eye lens and replace it with an artificial eye lens.
Even though they have got new eye lenses, babies usually still need assistive devices such as glasses or contact lenses so that their vision can function better.
As parents, Mother and Father will certainly worry if your little one is suffering from congenital cataracts. However, with early detection and treatment, congenital cataracts can be overcome and your little one's vision function can improve. Early treatment can also prevent permanent blindness and developmental disorders.
Therefore, mothers and fathers are advised to immediately check with their children to a pediatrician or eye doctor if they find signs of congenital cataracts in your little one.
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