CONGENITAL CATARACT

Mrs. Forbi Jennet

 WHAT IS CATARACT

Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens

of the eye. It is one of the leading cause of blindness.
 MAIN CAUSE OF CATARACT
• Age: Aging changes in the lens are by far the most common cause of
cataract representing 80% of all cataract.
• Traumatic: Blunt or penetrating injury to the eye
• Diabetes: It seem to be a predisposing factor. Diabetics develop
cataracts more often, and at a younger age than non-diabetics
• Cataracts can also be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery,
corticosteroid drugs used over a long period of time
Congenital cataract is our main concern
 WHAT IS CONGENITAL
GLAUCOMA
It is a clouding of the lens of the eye present at birth. The lens
of the eye is normally clear; it focuses light that comes into the eye onto
the retina. A baby with congenital cataracts has clouding in one or both
eyes.

Eyes with Congenital Cataract Normal Eyes

 CAUSE OF CONGENITAL CATARACT

Hereditary (family history)

Other causes include;

• Infections (syphilis, rubella, toxoplasmosis, HIV, herpes
simplex)
• Drug reactions(corticosteroids)
 SYMPTOMS OF CONGENITAL
CATARACT
• Grey or white cloudiness in the black part of the eye

• Red eye missing in photos or the eyes appear different in

photos

• Rapid eye movements(nystagmus)

 POSSIBLE TREATMENT
• Mainly Surgical

Cataract in children should be addressed as early as possible

because obstructed vision can prevent important stages of their
development. Left untreated congenital cataracts may cause lazy eye
or amblyopia.
 NOTE!
!
• Remember blindness due to cataract is treatable. Its our responsibility
to take care of our children.

• Pregnant women should routinely follow up their antenatal visit so

that some of the conditions should be rolled out. Pregnant women are
hereby advice to follow up all the stages of the pregnancy.

• Refer all children with white pupil to the eye hospital.

• Refer all children with squint (eyes not in alignment)

 The end
Thank you