Can Children Develop Cataracts?
Children CAN develop cataracts.
More Info: Though not common, babies can be born with congenital cataracts. An estimated one in every 10,000 babies are born with congenital cataracts which is a clouding of the lens of the eye that functions to focus light on the retina of the eye. ["Cataracts - Causes." University of Maryland Medical Center]
Causes of Congenital Cataracts
Though in most cases the cause of congenital cataracts is unknown, they can be caused by abuse of drugs and/or alcohol during pregnancy, an infection during pregnancy, and inherited disorders.
The National Institute of Health identifies the following as possible causes:
- Down syndrome
- Congenital rubella
- Pierre-Robin syndrome
- Lowe syndrome
- Conradi syndrome
- Chondrodysplasia syndrome
- Ectodermal dysplasia syndrome
- Galactosemia
- Hallerman Streiff syndrome
- Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome
- Trisonomy 13
- Familial congenital cataracts
Treatment of Congenital Cataracts
Not all cases of congenital cataracts will require treatment. If the cataract is not affecting vision, it does not need to be treated. More severe cases will require cataract surgery, which requires lens replacement.
Artificial intraocular lens replacement is a routine surgery with excellent results.
University of Maryland Medical Center"Cataracts - Causes"http://www.umm.edu
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia"Congenital cataract"http://www.nlm.nih.gov
"Can Children Develop Cataracts?." Sophisticated Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://www.sophisticatededge.com/can-children-develop-cataracts.html>.
Source: Cataracts Children's Hospital Boston
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.The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. It is not meant to take the place of health care or services you may need. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your health.
