Treatment of Childhood Cataracts
Treatment of childhood cataracts aims to restore clear vision and support normal visual development. The exact approach depends on the severity, age of diagnosis, and whether one or both eyes are affected. Prompt and effective treatment can significantly improve long-term visual outcomes.
1. Surgical Removal
Surgery is the primary treatment for visually significant cataracts in children. It involves removing the cloudy lens to allow light to properly reach the retina.
- Timing: Ideally, surgery should take place within the first 6–8 weeks of life in bilateral cases, and slightly later for unilateral cases
- Technique: Often done under general anaesthesia with modern microsurgical tools
- Intraocular Lens (IOL): In older children, an artificial lens is implanted. In very young children, IOL may be deferred, and visual correction is done with contact lenses or glasses
2. Visual Rehabilitation | Treatment of Childhood Cataracts
After surgery, it is essential to provide the eye with a clear visual image. This may include:
- Contact lenses for infants without IOLs
- Spectacles to correct refractive errors
- Patching (occlusion therapy): Covering the stronger eye to stimulate the weaker eye in cases of amblyopia
3. Anti-inflammatory and Antibiotic Drops
Used postoperatively to prevent inflammation and infection.
4. Long-Term Monitoring
Children require regular eye exams to monitor for:
- Glaucoma (a potential post-surgical complication)
- Posterior capsule opacification (a common secondary clouding)
- Refractive changes as the eye grows
- Amblyopia development or recurrence
5. Supportive Therapies | Treatment of Childhood Cataracts
- Occupational therapy for children with associated developmental delays
- Speech therapy if cataracts affect early social engagement
- Family education and support
Treatment of childhood cataracts is not a one-time fix. It requires ongoing care, visual support, and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure optimal development and learning.
[Next: Complications and Recovery from Childhood Cataracts →]
