Childhood cataracts could be quite a serious affair and
affect the vision of a child and a number of other developments in a child's
body. More so parents and guardians need to feel more informed regarding the
causes, the symptoms, and the many available treatment options. Detailed is a
guide to childhood cataracts and how you can save your child's vision.
What Are Childhood Cataracts?
A cataract is a condition responsible for misting the lens
in the eye, which leads to poor eyesight. A cataract more often than not tends
to be associated with age, but can also occur during childhood years, and they
are defined specifically as pediatric or childhood cataracts. Pediatric
cataracts can either be congenital, which means that the condition is present
at birth, or acquired later in the years of childhood. The congenital cataracts
are of more concern compared to acquired cataracts since they interrupt with
the development of normal vision. If not corrected in good time, they can lead
to permanent loss of vision.
Causes of Childhood Cataracts
Childhood cataracts are due to very varied causative agents. There are genetic habits that result in inheritance through mutations that allow formation of the cataracts. In case your family has a history of the condition, then your child's chances of getting the condition are higher. Cataract in children can be caused by infections during pregnancy, for example rubella, chickenpox, or cytomegalovirus.
Such Infections may cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus resulting in different complications like cataracts. The other cause involves the metabolic disorders that occur. Some conditions, like galactosemia, a body inability to metabolize some sugars, and even diabetes, increase the chances of the child developing cataracts. Trauma to the eye is a major cause of acquired cataracts.
Symptoms of Childhood Cataracts
Childhood cataracts have variable symptoms depending on how
much or exactly where is affected by the existence of a cataract. Some of the
common symptoms are cloudy, blurry vision and can manifest not being able to
clearly see, or one can exude an appearance of a white or gray spot in the
pupil. It may also appear frequently in photographs, especially in those photos
taken with a flash.
This generally includes difficulty seeing in bright light.
The child tends to squint or cover his eyes in bright sunlight or bright
lights. Another way is misaligned eyes; it could be that strabismus can show
that the cataracts are on the child. It is generally when a person's eyes do
not look in the same direction at the same time, with conditions when the
cataract distorts their normal alignment.
Diagnosis
The earlier the diagnosis, the greater its cure. To drive
this home, routine eye screening is required, more so if there is a family
history of cataracts or other predisposing factors. An ophthalmologist would
perform an extensive eye exam to diagnose cataracts. He may also perform a
visual acuity test to determine how well the child sees at varying distances. A
specialized microscope can be used in an examination to check the sharp
structure of an eye, known as a slit-lamp examination. A retinal examination
enables the ophthalmologist to visualize the inside of the eye where the retina
is located. An ultrasound of the eye at times takes place in the examination
for a clear image of the internal eye structures.
Treatment Options
The type of treatment for cataracts in childhood is, however, dependent on the extent of the cataract and, if the same is creating problems with the vision of the child, one could go ahead with the treatment measures necessary to clear the same. In case he has a small cataract which does not seem to be having a distinct effect on the vision, that might not need to be treated.
In such a scenario, an ophthalmologist will be following up to ensure that the cataract is not progressive to an extent where it starts interfering with the vision. In some cases, one can use correcting glasses or. lenses. These lenses correct the cloudiness, and thus the child can view an image in a clear outline. In most cases, though, one has to resort to operation to remove the cataract and thus regain sight.
Rehabilitation and Post-Operative Care
Proper post-operative care entails serial follow-up for the
evaluation of the healing process and the development of vision. The management
can also be stretched towards the use of eye drops to facilitate the avoidance
of infections and inflammation by keeping the eye clean and dropping off
complications.
This pad is to help protect the eye from accidental injury
so your treatment efforts can be allowed to restore the eye properly. Vision
therapy also will ensure much better coordination between your brain and eyes.
In fact, this might well involve many activities and exercises that are pointed
towards enhancement of your visual skills as well as your coordination.
Prevention
Although some causes of childhood cataracts cannot be
prevented, several measures can be put forward to minimize the risk. Proper
prenatal care will help prevent infections during pregnancy from occurring and
probably leading to congenital cataracts. Pregnant women should have regular
checkups and some vaccinations against certain infections that affect fetal
development.
Another equally important preventive measure is the
protection of children's eyes against injury. Children ought to be encouraged
to put on appropriate protective equipment for situations that are most likely
to inflict eye injury like during sports activities or even play activities
that are rather risky.
Supporting Your Child
Although cataracts in infancy are highly problematic to treat, with proper care and support, there can be a chance of a good life for a child. It is, therefore, highly crucial that you keep yourself informed regarding childhood cataracts and the possible treatments. Observe the early intervention aspect. If you have knowledge about the condition, you may be in the position to make some right decisions about your child's care. Take your medical advice and treatment plan very seriously. The child should be presented for further review in all follow-up appointments to monitor the progress and additional complications that might arise.
Conclusion
Cataracts in Children are dangerous, and the condition requires to be addressed on time and urgently treated. Early detection, proper medical care, and ancillary measures can greatly enhance the quality of vision in the child and the quality of life experience. Knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and ways of treatment makes parents sure that their child's vision is saved and his or her future is bright.
This also helps in providing the needful emotional
support and motivation to the children to perform some of the vital activities
in visual development, adapting them to a life after cataract treatment. With
proper care and attention, children suffering from this particular defect can
very well realize their talents and live a rewarding life.
Please book an appointment with the Best Eye Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your diseas
