Cataract - congenital

In some cases, congenital cataracts are mild and do not affect vision, and these cases require no treatment. Moderate to severe cataracts that affect vision will require cataract removal surgery, followed by placement of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Patching to force the child to use the weaker eye may be required to prevent amblyopia.

Treatment for any underlying disorder may also be needed.

Cataract removal surgery with placement of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is routine, and usually has excellent results.

Many of the underlying diseases associated with congenital cataract involve many organs to a great degree.

Call for an urgent appointment with your baby's health care provider if you notice that the pupil of one or both eyes appears white or cloudy.

Images

Rubella Syndrome

Eye

Cataract - close-up of the eye

Previous Section

Congenital cataract Symptoms

Next Section

Congenital cataract Prevention

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)