Causes of Cataracts in Children
Causes of cataracts in children are more diverse than in adults and often involve developmental issues, infections, metabolic disorders, trauma, or inherited conditions. Understanding the causes of cataracts in children is essential for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and in many cases, preventing recurrence or related complications.
1. Congenital Cataracts
Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop within the first year of life. They may result from genetic mutations, hereditary factors, or intrauterine environmental influences. Around one-third of congenital cataracts are inherited, often in an autosomal dominant pattern. If one parent had cataracts during childhood, the likelihood of their child being affected increases.
In some cases, cataracts develop spontaneously due to errors in lens protein formation during embryonic development. Structural abnormalities in the eye or chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome may also contribute.
2. Infections During Pregnancy | Causes of Cataracts in Children
Maternal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, herpes simplex virus, or syphilis during pregnancy can interfere with foetal eye development. Rubella is particularly associated with dense, bilateral cataracts. These infections are often preventable through vaccination and antenatal screening.
3. Metabolic and Systemic Conditions
Rare metabolic disorders like galactosaemia, Lowe syndrome, and hypoglycaemia can cause cataracts in infancy. These conditions affect the way the body processes certain substances, leading to toxic accumulation in the lens.
In addition, systemic diseases like juvenile arthritis or skin conditions such as eczema treated with long-term steroids may increase the risk of cataracts in later childhood.
4. Trauma | Causes of Cataracts in Children
Blunt force trauma, penetrating injuries, or radiation exposure can result in acquired cataracts in children. Traumatic cataracts can develop immediately or take weeks to months to appear. In many cases, these cataracts are unilateral and require prompt surgical attention.
5. Unknown Causes
In a significant number of cases, no definitive cause is found. These idiopathic cataracts still require full evaluation to exclude associated systemic conditions or subtle genetic factors.
Identifying the causes of cataracts in children helps guide both treatment and ongoing monitoring. It also enables doctors to offer genetic counselling and screen for additional abnormalities that could impact the child’s health and development.
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