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Congenital cataracts are a change in the lens of the eye that develops during pregnancy and, therefore, has been present in the baby since birth. The main sign indicating congenital cataract is the presence of a whitish film inside the baby's eye, which can be perceived in the baby's first days of life or after a few months.
This change can affect just one eye or both and is usually curable through simple surgery that replaces the baby's eye lens. When a congenital cataract is suspected, it is important that the baby undergo the eye test, which is done during the first week of life and then repeated at 4, 6, 12 and 24 months, as it is possible to confirm the diagnosis and start proper treatment. See how the eye test is done.
Symptoms of congenital cataract
Congenital cataracts are present from the moment of birth, but in some cases, it can take several months before they are identified, when parents or other caregivers of the baby observe a whitish film inside the eye, creating the sensation of an "opaque pupil" .
In some cases, this film can also develop and worsen over time, but when it is identified, it must be informed to the pediatrician to start the appropriate treatment and avoid the appearance of difficulty to see.
The best way to confirm the diagnosis of congenital cataract is to have a red reflex test, also known as a little eye test, in which the doctor projects a special light over the baby's eye to see if there are any changes in the structures.
Main causes
The majority of congenital cataracts do not have a specific cause, being classified as idiopathic, however in some cases the congenital cataract can be a consequence of:
- Metabolic disorders in pregnancy;
- Infections of the pregnant woman with toxoplasmosis, rubella, herpes or cytomegalovirus;
- Deformities in the development of the baby's skull.
Congenital cataracts can also be caused by genetic factors, and a baby with similar cases in the family is more likely to be born with a congenital cataract.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for congenital cataracts depends on the severity of the disease, the degree of vision and the baby's age, but it is usually done with congenital cataract surgery to replace the lens, which must be done between 6 weeks of age and 3 months. However, this time may vary depending on the doctor and the child's history.
Generally, surgery is done on one eye under local anesthesia and after 1 month it is done on the other, and during recovery it is necessary to put some eye drops indicated by the ophthalmologist, to relieve the baby's discomfort and also to prevent the appearance of an infection. In cases of partial congenital cataract, the use of medication or eye drops may be indicated instead of surgery.