One of the major causes of childhood blindness is pediatric cataract which is found to affect 15 children of the 10,000 live births in India. Pediatric cataract is a huge burden as it is estimated that 2,80,000 to 3,20,000 children are impaired due to this condition.
It’s very difficult for parents to identify this cataract and only when they find that the child has problems in seeing do they come to eye centres for a check-up.
In metro cities now, physicians have been trained to immediately take up eye complaints of blurred vision, squint and wobbling eyes for further evaluation, explained Dr Ravindra Goud, superintendent of Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital.
Dr Goud answers a whole range of questions with regard to pediatric cataract.
Q What is the reason for pediatric cataract?
Pediatric cataract are of two types — congenital and development. Congenital cataract is due to the defect during the development of the foetus or during the process of birthing. Defect in development of the foetus is due to nutritional deficiency in the mother during the pregnancy period. The other reasons that could cause this are infections, inflammation and also drug reactions.
It is extremely difficult to pick these up in the foetus. The child has to be evaluated during birth and if the parents find that eyes are wobbling or not constant then they must visit a doctor. In 33 per cent of the cases, these children are overlooked and not taken up for further evaluation as the symptoms are confused with squint eyes.
Development cataract is in children whose mothers are suffering from metabolic disorders and gestational diabetes. These children have cataract as the mother’s disease is found to affect their ocular development.
Q Which age group is most affected?
The disease is from birth but we see children only after three to four years. This condition can go up to 10 years and we find the children coming in too late too. There are very few cases where they have come on time.
Q Are there any other reasons for cataract in children?
Secondary cataract is due to other eye problems and diseases like epilepsy which lead to vision loss in children. It is important that while the treatment is going on there is proper follow up and the eye condition is monitored in case of other neurological diseases.
Q What is the treatment for pediatric cataract?
Cataracts affecting vision have to be quickly treated as it can cause irreversible damage to the eyesight including lazy eyes and even severe blindness. The surgery involves removing of the defected lens and placing an artificial lens. In the case of children they are given glasses for sight. But there is a concern for reduced vision and that requires constant follow-up for the child.
Q Is it possible to prevent pediatric cataract?
It is very important for a pregnant mother to have nutritious food and a proper balanced diet. If the mother is on any medication, the doctor must be apprised of the same. Mothers who have gestational diabetes have to be properly managed as it is found to affect the sight of the child when this condition is not managed properly. These are the preventive measures that can be taken. But to find out if the ocular system is affected in the womb is not possible. The evaluation of the child is done only after birth. Hence pregnant mothers must be well taken care of for a healthy child.
