Benefits of Congenital Cataract Surgery


Cataract surgery on children raises many concerns and there is no consensus about what the best course of action should be.  The main concern is that, because the eye is still developing and growing, cataract removal may cause internal eye pressure.  This is a form of glaucoma, termed secondary glaucoma.  Also, there are all some concerns as to whether children should be given a local anaesthetic.  If the cataract is not removed, then other vision problems may be caused as the eye continues developing.  Abnormal development may cause problems that last throughout the child’s life.  For example, if a cataract is not removed it can cause amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (squint) and the child may be unable to fix a gaze upon objects.  Because congenital cataract can cause further problems in adulthood, children’s eyes should be examined shortly after birth to ensure that there is no presence of cataract.

Whether or not to go ahead with cataract surgery on a child, is a personal decision but advice must be sought from eye care providers as to the benefits of cataract surgery.

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