Cataract - congenital

• Cloudiness of the lens that looks like a white spot in an otherwise normally dark pupil -- often obvious at birth without special viewing equipment
• Failure of an infant to show visual awareness of the world around him or her (if cataracts present in both eyes)
• Nystagmus (unusual rapid eye movements)

A complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist will readily diagnose congenital cataract. The search for a possible cause may require examination by a pediatrician experienced in hereditary disorders and possible blood tests or x-rays.

Images

Rubella Syndrome

Eye

Cataract - close-up of the eye

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Congenital cataract Overview

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Congenital cataract Treatment

Review Date: 08/06/2009
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)