Childhood cataract

Childhood Cataract

Childhood cataract, also known as pediatric cataract (pronunciation: /ˈkiːdɪəˌtrɪk ˈkætəˌrækt/), is a condition that causes clouding of the eye lens in children. The term 'cataract' is derived from the Latin word 'cataracta' meaning 'waterfall', referring to the cloudiness that obscures vision.

Causes

Childhood cataracts can be caused by a variety of factors including genetic disorders, infections during pregnancy, metabolic disorders, and trauma. Some children are born with cataracts, a condition known as congenital cataracts, while others develop them later in life, known as acquired cataracts.

Symptoms

Symptoms of childhood cataract include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and strabismus (crossed eyes). In some cases, the cataract may be visible as a white or grey spot in the child's pupil.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of childhood cataract involves a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This may include tests to check the child's visual acuity, a slit lamp examination to examine the structures at the front of the eye, and an ultrasound of the eye if the cataract is too dense to view the structures behind it.

Treatment

Treatment for childhood cataract typically involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens, which is then replaced with an artificial lens. Post-surgery, the child may need to wear glasses or contact lenses to help focus light onto the retina.

Prognosis

With early detection and treatment, the prognosis for children with cataracts is generally good. However, lifelong monitoring is necessary to manage potential complications such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

See Also

• Congenital cataracts
• Acquired cataracts
• Eye examination
• Ophthalmologist
• Glaucoma
• Retinal detachment

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Childhood cataract
• Wikipedia's article - Childhood cataract

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