History

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What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

Why are some babies born with a cataract?

Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

 What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

Fig. 7: A traumatic cataract after a severe eye injury.

At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?

The lens inside the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:

1)  A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
2)  A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
3)  Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 

A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.

WHAT IS AN IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN? 

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

Why are some babies born with a cataract?

Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

 What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

Fig. 7: A traumatic cataract after a severe eye injury.

At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?

The lens inside the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:

1)  A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
2)  A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
3)  Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 

A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.

WHAT IS AN IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

Why are some babies born with a cataract?

Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

 What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

Fig. 7: A traumatic cataract after a severe eye injury.

At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?

The lens inside the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:

1)  A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
2)  A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
3)  Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 

A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.

WHAT IS AN IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

Why are some babies born with a cataract?

Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

 What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?

The lens inside the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:

1)  A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
2)  A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
3)  Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 

A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.

WHAT IS AN IOL?

An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

Why are some babies born with a cataract?

Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

 What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?
The lens inside in the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:
1) A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
2) A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
3) Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 
A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.
WHAT IS AN IOL?
An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

• Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

  Why are some babies born with a cataract?

  Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

  Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

  No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

  How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

  Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

   What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

  The lens is made up of three main parts: a center part (nucleus), an outer part (cortex), and a bag (capsule) surrounding the cortex. Any of these parts can become cloudy and make a cataract. The different types of cloudiness have different names, including:
   
  o Lamellar cataract: Cloudiness between the center and outer parts of the lens. [See figure 3]
  o Nuclear Cataract: Cloudiness in the center of the lens.
  o Posterior subcapsular cataract: A thin layer of cloudiness in the back part of the lens, close to the capsule. It can be caused by medicines like steroids and medical problems like diabetes. [See figure 4].
  o Anterior polar cataract: A small spot of cloudiness at the front of the lens capsule. Usually it does not get worse in childhood or cause blurry vision. They usually don’t need surgery [See figure 5].
  o Posterior polar cataract: Cloudiness in the center part of the back of the lens near the capsule [See figure 6].
  o Persistent fetal vasculature: During eye growth in pregnancy there is a blood vessel from the back of the eye to the lens that helps the lens grow. This blood vessel is supposed to go away by birth so that it doesn’t block vision. Sometimes that blood vessel doesn’t go away and causes a cataract on the back of the lens as well as other eye problems, including problems in retina. These cataracts are harder to treat than others, especially if it involves the retina or other parts of the eye.  
  o Traumatic cataract: This happens when the lens is damaged from an eye injury. The cataract can form right after the injury or even many years later.  [See figure 7].
  

  Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

  

  Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

  

  Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

  

  Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

  

  At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

  If your child has a cataract that is making it hard for them to see, it is important to remove it as soon as it is safe. It is especially important to act quickly when a cataract is present at birth. Waiting too long to treat a cataract, can make it hard for the vision part of the brain to develop. Even if a cataract is very small and doesn’t seem to bother the child’s vision enough to need surgery, it should still be watched closely as vision problems can show up as the child grows. Sometimes if a cataract is very small or not in the center, wearing glasses or patching may help the vision and surgery may not be needed right away or at all.  

  How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

  A cataract is removed with eye surgery. For children, it is usually done under general anesthesia and does not use lasers. A small cut is made into the eye and the front part of the bag (capsule) of the cloudy lens. The soft cloudy lens (cataract) inside the lens capsule is removed with a special suction tool. An intraocular lens (IOL, see below) is then sometimes placed inside the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or later during another surgery. Younger children may need an extra opening made in the back of the capsule and removal of part of the gel (vitreous) from the back (called a vitrectomy). The cuts in the eye are closed with stitches that dissolve on their own.

  HOW DOES THE EYE FOCUS ONCE THE CATARACT IS REMOVED?
  The lens inside in the eye helps the eye focus to see clearly both close up and far away. When the lens is removed in cataract surgery, it can’t do that anymore. There are a few ways to help with this:
  1) A permanent IOL is placed inside the eye.
  2) A contact lens goes on the eye’s surface. It has to be removed and cleaned often.
  3) Glasses can be used. Glasses after cataract surgery can be thick and make things look bigger. This may not be the best treatment if only one eye has a cataract. 
  A child can develop amblyopia from the cataract even after early surgery. To make the eye stronger and treat the amblyopia, the child may need to wear a patch over the good eye.
  WHAT IS AN IOL?
  An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is a man-made lens that is put into the eye to take over the focusing job of the natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. [See figures 8 and 9].

Fig. 8: Foldable intraocular lens being inserted into eye.

Fig. 9: Intraocular lens in place after cataract is removed with surgery.

ARE IOLS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)?

AT WHAT AGE CAN AN IOL BE INSERTED?

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN BABIES AND CHILDREN?

Updated 10/2023

#Conditions

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What is a cataract?

A cataract is when the clear lens of your eye (the clear focusing part behind the colored part of the eye) gets cloudy. Cataracts come in different types. Some are small and do not cause vision problems. Other cataracts are large and cause very blurry vision. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in older people, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness of the normally clear lens in the eye. The white area in the center of the colored part of the eye is the cataract

HOW COMMON ARE CATARACTS IN CHILDREN?

Around 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The number of children with cataracts is different throughout the world..

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

When light goes into the eye it focuses on the back inside film of the eye (called the retina). The retina then turns this light into a signal that it sends to the brain allowing us to see. If a cataract gets in the way and blurs the light, it can stop the brain from getting a clear picture (see figure 2). In order for a child to develop good vision, the light has to hit the retina clearly so that the brain gets the signal. If there is a cataract blocking the light, it can make vision blurry and lead to something called amblyopia. This is different than in adults where cataracts come after the vision is already developed and surgery can often fix the problem. To prevent permanent vision problems, it is important to treat cataracts and amblyopia in children quickly.

• Fig. 2: A cataract causes blurry vision because it blocks the lens in the eye from sending light clearly to the back of the eye. The lens in this picture is white (cloudy) because it has a cataract.

  Why are some babies born with a cataract?

  Babies can get cataracts if their lens did not grow correctly before they were born (during pregnancy). Cataracts in children can also happen due to genetics (can run in families), problems with the growth of the eye’s different parts, and infections. Sometimes a cause for cataracts in babies can’t be found. Most cataracts in children are found on their own and are not a part of other health problems in the body. When cataracts come with other medical problems, it is often because there is a genetic or metabolism problem. These cataracts may show up at birth or later in life as the child grows up.

  Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

  No. Some cataracts are small or off to the side of the lens. Cataracts may not need to be taken out if vision is normal.

  How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

  Doctors can often find cataracts in babies right after they are born using a test called the “red reflex” before they leave the hospital. Cataracts can also be spotted during regular baby check-ups with the pediatrician. Some parents can notice cataracts too as a white spot in the pupil (the black spot in the middle of the colored part of the eye). 

   

  What types of cataracts happen in babies and children?

  The lens is made up of three main parts: a center part (nucleus), an outer part (cortex), and a bag (capsule) surrounding the cortex. Any of these parts can become cloudy and make a cataract. The different types of cloudiness have different names, including:

  o    Lamellar cataract: Cloudiness between the center and outer parts of the lens. [See figure 3]
  o    Nuclear Cataract: Cloudiness in the center of the lens.
  o    Posterior subcapsular cataract: A thin layer of cloudiness in the back part of the lens, close to the capsule. It can be caused by medicines like steroids and medical problems like diabetes. [See figure 4].
  o    Anterior polar cataract: A small spot of cloudiness at the front of the lens capsule. Usually it does not get worse in childhood or cause blurry vision. They usually don’t need surgery [See figure 5].
  o    Posterior polar cataract: Cloudiness in the center part of the back of the lens near the capsule [See figure 6].
  o    Persistent fetal vasculature: During eye growth in pregnancy there is a blood vessel from the back of the eye to the lens that helps the lens grow. This blood vessel is supposed to go away by birth so that it doesn’t block vision. Sometimes that blood vessel doesn’t go away and causes a cataract on the back of the lens as well as other eye problems, including problems in retina. These cataracts are harder to treat than others, especially if it involves the retina or other parts of the eye.  
  o    Traumatic cataract: This happens when the lens is damaged from an eye injury. The cataract can form right after the injury or even many years later.  [See figure 7].

  

  Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

  

  Fig. 4: Posterior subcapsular cataract.

  

  Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

  

  Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

  

  At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

  Cataracts that interfere with vision should be removed as soon as is safely possible, especially if the cataract is present at birth. A delay in cataract removal can interfere with normal development of the vision centers in the brain. Tiny cataracts that do not seem likely to interfere with vision may be carefully and frequently monitored, but should be removed at the earliest sign of a vision problem. If a cataract is very small or off center, glasses and/or patching may be helpful for visual development and surgery can be delayed or avoided completely.

  How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

  A tiny incision is made into the eye and an opening is made in the front of the lens capsule. The very soft and cloudy inner part of the child's lens is suctioned out of the capsule. Younger children may require an additional opening in the posterior lens capsule with some vitreous gel removal (called a vitrectomy). An intraocular lens (IOL) is then sometimes placed within the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or in a subsequent second surgery. Generally, an IOL is not placed in a patient less than 1 year of age. Dissolvable stitches are used to close the wounds.

  What are the risks of cataract surgery in infants and children?

  Cataract surgery performed by an experienced surgeon is generally very safe. However, no surgical procedure is without risks. The risks of pediatric cataract surgery include infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, development of glaucoma, displacement of the intraocular lens, development of capsular cloudiness and development of vitreous cloudiness.

  How does the eye focus once the cataract is removed?

  The lens inside in the eye focuses light so the eye gets a clear image whether viewing in the or up close. Once the lens is removed, it can no longer focus light inside the eye. There are several methods to restore focusing ability of the eye: 1) a permanent IOL is placed inside the eye, 2) a contact lens can be placed on the surface of the eye (contact lenses have to be removed and cleaned regularly), 3) glasses can be used to focus the light rays. Glasses once the cataract is removed are often very thick and cause magnification, so they are generally not a good option when only one eye is affected.

  It is not unusual for a child to develop some degree of amblyopia and may need to patch to strengthen the weaker eye.

  Where can I join a support group of families with children with pediatric cataracts?

  • The Pediatric Glaucoma and Cataract Family Association

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior sub capsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

Fig. 7: A traumatic cataract results when either a blunt or penetrating object damages the lens.

How is pediatric cataract surgery done?

Updated 04/2021

#Conditions

Print Version- English     Print Version- Arabic 


What is a cataract?

A cataract is any cloudiness or opacity of the natural lens of the eye, which is normally crystal clear. There are many types of cataracts. Some cataracts are small and do not interfere with vision. Other cataracts are large and cause severe vision loss. [See figure 1].  People often think that cataracts can only happen in elderly patients, but they can happen in children as well.

Fig. 1: A cataract is any cloudiness or opacity of the normally clear lens of the eye.

How common are infantile and childhood cataracts?

Approximately 3 out of 10,000 children have a cataract. The incidence is variable throughout the world.

How does a cataract cause vision loss?

Light enters the eye and is focused onto the retina (inner surface of the back of the eye) which senses the light and transmits the signal to the brain. A cataract may stop light from reaching the retina and prevent the eye from seeing. (see figure 2) In order for a child to develop good vision, the child has to have clear light hit the retina so that the brain receives a clear image. If there is a cataract blurring the light, it limits the child’s visual development and results in amblyopia. Prompt and sometimes immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss. This is in contrast to adults, where cataracts develop after normal visual development so the vision loss can be reversible.

• Fig. 2: A cataract interferes with vision because it obstructs the lens of the eye through which light passes, causing light to refract differently than in a healthy eye.

  Why are some babies born with a cataract?

  Pediatric cataracts often occur because of abnormal lens development during pregnancy. Cataracts can result from genetic or eye structural problems, they can run in families, be caused by infections, or they can occur spontaneously without a known cause. Lens malformations that occur in conjunction with medical problems are often the result of a genetic or metabolic problem. These cataracts may be present at birth or may develop during childhood. Most pediatric cataracts are isolated findings and are not associated with other abnormalities.

  Do all cataracts in babies and children need to be removed?

  No. Some cataracts are small or off center in the lens. These cataracts do not need to be removed because vision develops normally, even if the cataract is left in place.

  How are babies and children found to have cataracts?

  Doctor exams either by a GP or pediatrician find many babies' cataracts at birth with the “red reflex” test before they leave the hospital.  Cataracts can be detected at well baby checkups as well.  Parents find some of them themselves. Cataracts often show up in exams as an absent or irregular red reflex.

   

  What types of cataracts occur in babies and children?

  The human crystalline lens consists of three parts including a center part (nucleus), an outer part (cortex), and a capsule surrounding the cortex. Cloudiness can occur in one or more parts of the lens:

  • A lamellar cataract is cloudiness between the nuclear and cortical layers of the lens [See figure 3]
  • A nuclear cataract is cloudiness of the center part of the lens.
  • A posterior sub capsular cataract is a thin layer of cloudiness that affects the back surface of the lens cortex, just inside the capsule. This type of cataract can often be associated with medication use such as steroids. [See figure 4].
  • An anterior polar cataract is a small, usually central opacity of the front part of the lens capsule. Anterior polar cataracts generally do not grow during childhood and are typically not visually significant. They are often managed without surgery [See figure 5].
  • A posterior polar cataract is a central opacity at the back of the lens [See figure 6].
  • Persistent fetal vasculature can be associated with a pediatric cataract. During development of the eye, a blood vessel extends from the optic nerve (in the back of the eye) to the developing lens to provide nutrients to the young, growing lens. This blood vessel normally disappears before birth. If the blood vessels do not go away, it can result in a plaque-like cataract on the back of the lens. The persistent stalk extending from the back of the eye toward the cataract can cause retinal abnormalities as well. These particular cataracts are often more difficult to treat and have a worse prognosis because of the other associated eye abnormalities.
  • A traumatic cataract results from either a blunt or penetrating force that damages the lens. The cataract can form shortly after the trauma or months to years after the injury [See figure 7].

  At what age should a cataract be removed from an infant or child?

  Cataracts that interfere with vision should be removed as soon as is safely possible, especially if the cataract is present at birth. A delay in cataract removal can interfere with normal development of the vision centers in the brain. Tiny cataracts that do not seem likely to interfere with vision may be carefully and frequently monitored, but should be removed at the earliest sign of a vision problem. If a cataract is very small or off center, glasses and/or patching may be helpful for visual development and surgery can be delayed or avoided completely.

  How is a cataract removed in infants and children?

  A tiny incision is made into the eye and an opening is made in the front of the lens capsule. The very soft and cloudy inner part of the child's lens is suctioned out of the capsule. Younger children may require an additional opening in the posterior lens capsule with some vitreous gel removal (called a vitrectomy). An intraocular lens (IOL) is then sometimes placed within the empty lens capsule either during the same surgery or in a subsequent second surgery. Generally, an IOL is not placed in a patient less than 1 year of age. Dissolvable stitches are used to close the wounds.

  What are the risks of cataract surgery in infants and children?

  Cataract surgery performed by an experienced surgeon is generally very safe. However, no surgical procedure is without risks. The risks of pediatric cataract surgery include infection, inflammation, retinal detachment, development of glaucoma, displacement of the intraocular lens, development of capsular cloudiness and development of vitreous cloudiness.

  How does the eye focus once the cataract is removed?

  The lens inside in the eye focuses light so the eye gets a clear image whether viewing in the or up close. Once the lens is removed, it can no longer focus light inside the eye. There are several methods to restore focusing ability of the eye: 1) a permanent IOL is placed inside the eye, 2) a contact lens can be placed on the surface of the eye (contact lenses have to be removed and cleaned regularly), 3) glasses can be used to focus the light rays. Glasses once the cataract is removed are often very thick and cause magnification, so they are generally not a good option when only one eye is affected.

  It is not unusual for a child to develop some degree of amblyopia and may need to patch to strengthen the weaker eye.

  Where can I join a support group of families with children with pediatric cataracts?

  • The Pediatric Glaucoma and Cataract Family Association

Fig. 3: Lamellar cataract

Fig. 4: Posterior sub capsular cataract.

Fig. 5: Anterior polar cataract.

Fig. 6: Posterior polar cataract.

Fig. 7: A traumatic cataract results when either a blunt or penetrating object damages the lens.

How is pediatric cataract surgery done?

Updated 04/2021

#Conditions