Cataracts

Definition
Cataract is defined as loss of opacity in the lens present in the eye. The lens in the eye is the reason why people can adjust to different distances within seconds, these lens are clear. They are made of proteins, if they become opaque or cloudy due to changes in composition the sight is affected to a greater deal as the opaque lens will not allow light to pass through.
Congenital cataract is defined as defect in the lens present at the time of birth or very shortly after the baby is born. Cataract can affect one eye called as unilateral cataract or both eyes called as bilateral cataracts.
Juvenile cataract can be defined as cataract which occurs once the baby grows up; they are also referred to as developmental cataract.
Cataract also occurs in people who are aged; this again is an age related process and is the common cause for blindness amongst people around the world.
Causes
Common cause for any childhood disease especially congenital would be genetic in nature. The children suffering from Down’s syndrome also suffer from congenital cataract.
The other important factor is infection during the time of pregnancy. Infection by cytomegalo virus, rubella or toxoplasmosis increases the risk of child being born with congenital cataract.
Other rare conditions which have been linked to congenital cataract include, premature babies who usually have retinopathy of prematurity and aniridia. Other metabolic diseases like congenital diabetes or galactosemia might play a role in development of congenital cataract.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from patient to patient as it depends on several factors, it depends on the stage of cataract, depends if both or single eye is affected. The most common symptom of childhood cataract are cloudy lens, this will be seen by the relatives or the family members. The lens can be seen through the opening of the pupil in the eye, in normal people since they are clear nothing abnormal can be visualized, in case of cataract cloudiness can be seen in the middle of the eyes.

Though the cataract will affect the visual field, it is difficult to depend on this symptom in case of the child, as child born with cataract will not even be aware of the normal visual field. The sight is also affected by the position of the cataract, if the cataract is present in the centre of the lens it might affect the visual field more than a cataract present at the periphery of the lens. The other symptoms include Microphthalmia and nystagmus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is fairly easy if the cloudiness of the lens is visible, it is important that the condition is diagnosed very early so the treatment can be effective.
Screening: All new born babies are screened and checked by eye specialist in order to rule out any congenital cataract, this increases the chance of catching the disease at a very early stage.
Treatment:
Treatment involves surgical procedure where the cloudy lens are removed and replaced by an artificial lens, or the lens is removed and then a contact lens is used. After operation care of the eye is most important which involves application of antibiotic drops and an occlusion of the eye.