A congenital cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye, that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally a clear structure, which focuses light received by the eye onto the retina.
Alternative NamesCataract - congenital
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe number of people born with cataracts is low. In most patients, no specific cause can be found. Possible causes of congenital cataracts include the following:
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.
TreatmentIn 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.
ComplicationsMany of the underlying diseases associated with congenital cataract involve many organs to a great degree.
Calling your health care providerCall 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.
PreventionIf you have a family history of inheritable disorders that could cause congenital cataracts, consider seeking genetic counseling.
ReferencesGuercio 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.
A congenital cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally clear. It focuses light that comes into the eye onto the retina.
Alternative NamesCataract - congenital
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsUnlike most cataracts, which occur with age, congenital cataracts are present at birth.
Congenital cataracts are rare. In most patients, no cause can be found.
Congenital cataracts often occur as part of the following birth defects:
Congenital cataracts usually look different than other forms of cataract.
Symptoms include:
To diagnose congenital cataract, the infant should have a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The infant may also need to be examined by a pediatrician who is experienced in treating inherited disorders. Blood tests or x-rays may also be needed.
TreatmentIf congenital cataracts are mild and do not affect vision, they may not need to be treated, especially if they are in both eyes.
Moderate to severe cataracts that affect vision, or a cataract that is in only one eye will need to be treated with cataract removal surgery. In most (noncongenital) cataract surgeries, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye. The use of IOLs in infants is controversial. Without an IOL, the infant will need to wear a contact lens.
Patching to force the child to use the weaker eye is often needed to prevent amblyopia.
The infant may also need to be treated for the inherited disorder that is causing the cataracts.
Expectations (prognosis)Removing a congenital cataract is usually a safe, effective procedure. The child will need follow-up for vision rehabilitation. Most infants have some level of "lazy eye" (amblyopia) before the surgery and will need to use patching.
ComplicationsWith cataract surgery there is a very slight risk of:
Infants who have surgery for congenital cataracts are likely to develop another cataract, which may need further surgery or laser treatment.
Many of the diseases that are associated with congenital cataract can also affect other organs.
Calling your health care providerCall 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, or if the child seems to have trouble seeing.
PreventionIf you have a family history of inheritable disorders that could cause congenital cataracts, consider seeking genetic counseling.
ReferencesJunk AK, Morris DA. Cataracts and systemic disease. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 41.
Heitmancik JF, Datilles M. Congenital and inherited cataracts. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:chap 74.
Dahan E. Pediatric cataract surgery. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 5.13.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/14/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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