Child Cataract Specialist in Mumbai

As a seasoned Child Cataract Specialist in Mumbai, we are providing information on pediatric cataracts, and effective treatment pathways.

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Child Cataract Treatment in Mumbai

What are Paediatric Cataracts or Child Cataracts?

Pediatric cataracts denote a condition characterized by cloudiness in the lens of a child’s eye.

While relatively uncommon, these cataracts possess the potential to impede a child’s visual development if not addressed promptly.

Symptoms of Child Cataract:

Signs that child may have developed cataracts can include:

Poor vision: Parents may notice their child has difficulty recognising and following objects or people with their eyes
Rapid uncontrolled eye movements or “wobbling” eyes – known as nystagmus
Squint: the eyes pointing in different directions – known as a squint
White or Grey pupil: this can also be a sign of other serious conditions, such as retinoblastoma, and should be checked by an eye surgeon immediately.

Exploring the Causes of Child Cataracts

Several factors contribute to the onset of paediatric cataracts:

Genetic Factors: Inherited traits from parents can predispose a child to cataracts.
Infection during Pregnancy: The main infections linked to an increased risk of congenital cataracts include:
- Rubella: a viral infection that can cause a red-pink. spotty skin rash
- Toxoplasmosis: a parasitic infection caught by consuming food, water or soil contaminated with an infected cat’s faeces.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): a common virus that can cause flu-like symptoms.
- Chickenpox – a mild but highly infectious condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
- Herpes simplex virus – a virus that often causes cold sores.
Metabolic Disorders: Disorders impacting the body’s metabolic processes can also trigger paediatric cataracts.
Acquired Cataracts causes:
- Galactosaemia: where the sugar galactose (which mainly comes from lactose, the sugar in milk) cannot be broken down by the body.
- Diabetes: a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
- Eye trauma: as a result of an injury to the eye or eye surgery.
- Toxocariasis: a rare parasitic infection that can sometimes infect the eyes, spread from animals to humans via their infected faeces.

Types of Pediatric Cataracts

Pediatric cataracts manifest in distinct forms, delineating their onset and presentation:

Congenital Cataracts: These occur either at birth or shortly thereafter, affecting one or both eyes.
Developmental Cataracts: Emerging during childhood due to various triggers such as trauma, inflammatory conditions, or systemic diseases.

Diagnostic Tests for Child Cataracts

Visual Assessments: A comprehensive array of tests, including visual acuity examinations and pupil dilation assessments, aids in diagnosing pediatric cataracts. Early detection holds paramount importance for timely intervention and management.
Ocular Examination:
- Visual acuity:
  - Detection acuity test:
    - Catford drum test
    - STYCAR graded ball test
- Recognition acuity test:
  - Direction identification test: Landolt C test, Snellen E test.
  - Letter identification test: Snellen charts, Lippman HOTV tests.
  - Picture identification charts: Allen picture cards, Domino cards tests.
  - Picture identification on the behavioral pattern: Cardiff acuity test, Optokinetic drum test

Slit-lamp examination: any associated anterior segment findings like micro cornea, anterior segment dysgenesis, Iris coloboma, the morphology of cataract, any microspherophakia, ectopia lentis or lens subluxation, pre-existing posterior capsular defect. The morphological classification of pediatric cataracts is as follows
- Anterior cataracts- anterior polar, anterior pyramidal, anterior subcapsular, anterior lenticonus (Alport syndrome)
- Cataract involving whole lens – Total cataract, membranous cataract
- Posterior cataracts- Mittendrofs dot, posterior lenticonus, posterior subcapsular cataract
- Central cataract- Lamellar (zonular), pulverulent, oil drop, coronary, blue dot cataract
- Sutural cataract
- Wedge-shaped cataract.

Ocular motility evaluation: The presence of either strabismus or nystagmus indicates that cataract is visually significant. Strabismus and nystagmus should be specifically looked for in these children as sometimes these may be the presenting signs. Strabismus is usually seen in children with unilateral cataracts and develops when an irreparable visual loss has already occurred.
Intraocular pressure:
Pupillary reactions:
Direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy:To evaluate for associated vitreous or posterior segment abnormality such as vitreous hemorrhage, remnants of primary vitreous, fundal coloboma, optic or macular hypoplasia, etc.

Child Cataract Treatment

Surgical Intervention: Surgery should be performed as soon as possible for visually significant cataracts, ideally within a few weeks after birth to prevent amblyopia.

For nonamblyogenic cataract, surgery is better planned after 4 years of age as ocular development will be complete and post-operative complications are less, but close follow-up and visual monitoring is required to prevent amblyopia and treat as indicated. The consensus is to operate a unilateral cataract as early as 4-6 weeks after birth.

Bilateral cataracts should be operated on by 6-8 weeks, and the second eye should be operated on within 2 weeks of the first surgery.

Duration of Surgical Procedures and Post-operative Recovery

Surgery Duration: Paediatric cataract surgery typically spans one to two hours, wherein the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens.
Post-operative Care: Vigilant post-operative care and adherence to prescribed guidelines are crucial. The recovery phase, spanning several weeks, witnesses a gradual improvement in the child’s vision.

A “Clear Visionary” Journey Ahead

Through precision and expertise, Dr. Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic, the seasoned Child Cataract Specialist in Mumbai, guides patients toward a future of restored vision and enhanced quality of life.

Book Your Consultation Today!

For comprehensive guidance and expert care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic to embark on a journey toward a clearer vision and a brighter future for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, children can develop cataracts, which might be present at birth (congenital) or develop during childhood (acquired).

Signs include a cloudy or white pupil, eyes that wander or do not align, difficulty seeing or focusing, or abnormal eye movements.

If you notice any of these signs, consult an Child eye specialist immediately.

Yes, timely surgical intervention, coupled with meticulous post-operative care, offers avenues for restoring clear vision in affected children.

Treatment involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and, in most cases, placing an artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) to restore vision. The child may also need glasses or contact lenses post-surgery.

Yes, cataract surgery in children is generally safe. Pediatric ophthalmologists are specially trained to perform these surgeries on children using appropriate techniques and anaesthesia.

In most cases, children will need glasses or contact lenses after surgery to correct vision and aid in visual development. Child Eye Specialist will determine the need for corrective lenses.

In some cases, a cloudy membrane might develop behind the artificial lens (posterior capsule opacification), which can be treated with a simple laser procedure if it affects vision.

Your child might need to avoid rubbing the eyes, swimming, or strenuous activities for some time after surgery. Follow the doctor’s instructions for proper care.

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Eye Specialist in Mumbai

Dr Anurag S. Agarwal Eye Clinic

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+91-9833413151

dranurageyecare@gmail.com

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