Congenital cataract - Treatment

Alternative Names

Cataract - congenital

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

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

Calling your health care provider:

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.

Eye

Cataract - close-up of the eye

Rubella Syndrome

Cataract

Reviewed last on: 8/6/2009
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.

References

Guercio JR, Martyn LJ. Congenital malformations of the eye and orbit. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2007 Feb;40(1):113-40, vii.

Olitsky SE, Hug D, and Smith LP. Abnormalities of the lens. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007; chap 627.

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