Can you please talk a bit about Cataract, Children and Treatment.

Can you please talk a bit about Cataract, Children and Treatment.

There is a clear lens hanging in the eye, when this lens gets dirty it is called cataract, and the lens has to be changed.

Imagine a window, when it gets dirty, this simple process prevents you from seeing things clearly, you have to replace the window.

Now Cataract is usually an age related problem.

Hence seen in Children in a very small percentage.

But when seen in Children it is a Medical Emergency.

If this is not treated urgently, and with utmost knowledge and precision, it will surely lead to Weak eyes, Blind Eye, Squint, Glaucoma and many other problems.

The first step of treatment of Cataract is removal of the cataract.

In the past it was deferred to a further age as the Anaesthesia and its equipment for very small babies could not guarantee the safety of the childs life. Not so now. Therefore Cataract removal is taken as soon as Pediatrician gives clearance.

The further treatment plans may differ depending upon age and eye size of the child :

Lens to be implanted or at a later date.

Treatment with glasses, follow up every 4 months.

Contact lenses.

Glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma treatment.

Eventually Lens implantation.

Yes the journey will be long.

But the Child will get back very good workable vision.

Your Pediatric Ophthalmologist will be with you all through this journey.