A child’s eyes are still developing and clear vision is crucial during these early years. As a caring eye specialists at Nihar Netralaya – Best Pediatric Eye Hospital in Indore, we want you to know that paediatric cataracts are a rare condition where a child is born with or develops cloudiness in the eye’s natural lens. While not common, cataract in children is serious because it can cause permanent eye-sight loss, if we do not treat it timely.
We are now sharing how can you spot the signs and bring your child to timely medical care:
Understanding Cataract in Children
Cataracts in children are not the same as seen in older adults. In children, cataracts can interfere with how the eyes and brain work together to develop clear vision. They may be present at birth or could be spotted later in childhood. Depending on these two situations, these are of two types:
Causes and Types
Two paediatric cataract types, mainly congenital and acquired.
- Congenital paediatric cataract may be linked to genetic conditions or infections during pregnancy.
- Acquired paediatric cataract can happen after any trauma or eye/body illness.
Signs Symptoms towards Paediatric Cataract that Parents Must Not Ignore
- A white or cloudy pupil, eyes that seem misaligned (squint). It is also termed as white reflex in the eyes.
- Blurry Vision in toddlers
- Child not following faces or lights well.
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes or signs of eye discomfort
- Unusual eye movements like constant flickering or jerking, known as nystagmus
- Light sensitivity child squints or avoids bright light
- Infant eye disorders like delayed visual development – child not reaching for objects, poor hand-eye coordination
- Eyes not fixing or following objects after 6–8 weeks of age
- Cloudiness in the eye visible in good lighting or photos
- Poor school performance or trouble with tasks needing clear vision (in older children)
Why Routine Eye Checks Matter for Small as well as Young Children
A pediatric cataract can lead to poor eyesight or even permanent vision loss as the child grows.
Most parents may not notice anything wrong at first, because infants or small children can’t tell if they see clearly or not. That’s why doctors recommend regular eye checks, to detect obvious signs. These simple tests can help catch issues like congenital lens opacity or congenital cataract (present at birth). Early early eye checkup for kids means treatment can start on time.
Diagnosis of Pediatric Cataract Types
I will explain this to you in a simpler way with a real case. A mother brought her baby to the clinic because she noticed something white in her child’s eye. We gently examined the child. First, we did a simple paediatric eye screening. We checked how the child’s eyes responded to light. Then, we used a special microscope called a slit lamp to look closer. We also performed a red reflex test, which helps find hidden eye problems.
After the tests, we explained to the mother that there are different paediatric cataract types. Some babies are born with them—these are called congenital cataracts. Her child had this type, the child was born with it.
Other kids may develop cataract in children slowly as they grow. These are developmental / acquired cataracts. Sometimes, a fall or injury causes traumatic cataracts.
We then reassured the mother that with early diagnosis, we would be able to protect the child’s eyesight with suitable paediatric cataract treatment because she has been alert and brought the kid in time to us!
Treatment Options and Importance of Timely Surgery
Why Early Treatment Matters
If your baby has a cataract present at birth, early congenital cataract treatment is very important. The eye and brain work together to develop vision in the first few months of life. If a cloudy lens blocks vision during this time, it can lead to permanent childhood vision loss. That’s why paediatric cataract treatment should ideally be done within the first 6–8 weeks for severe cases. Or it can also be done before 3–4 months for milder ones.
Types of Surgery
The most common option is to remove the cloudy lens from the baby’s eye. This is done safely under anesthesia. In some cases, a small artificial lens is placed in the eye to help focus light better. This is called intraocular lens implantation. It is done depending on your child’s age and eye condition.
Post-Surgery Vision Support
After surgery, care doesn’t stop. Your child will likely need post-operative vision therapy. We will ensure that they are provided glasses or contact lenses and sometimes patch. This is done because the stronger eye helps the weaker one catch up with regular eye-sight. Regular follow-ups are key to tracking progress; it helps in preventing problems like lazy eye.
Long-Term Vision Outcomes and Follow-Up
This ongoing care is part of early childhood blindness prevention. We would be giving your child the best chance at healthy, usable vision. We also recommend eyes-ight rehabilitation, which includes exercises and therapy to help the brain and eyes work together. With your support only, we can guide your child toward good eye-sight development.
SOME UNUSUAL FACTS ABOUT PEDIATRIC CATARACT IN CHILDREN
- Children don’t always complain of vision issues – they may just adapt, so early checks are crucial.
- A white or grayish spot in a baby’s eye could be a cataract, not just a reflection.
- Untreated cataracts can cause permanent blindness, even if surgery is done later.
- Some cataracts are linked to infections during pregnancy, like rubella or CMV.
- Even after surgery, vision isn’t “fixed”—the brain needs training through therapy.
- Both eyes aren’t always affected, which can delay diagnosis if only one eye is weak.
- Family history matters—some cataracts run in families, even if parents have clear vision.
Conclusion:
Please don’t wait—early early eye checkup for kids and care makes all the difference in protecting your child’s sight. Come to us and let the best paediatric eye surgeon help you protect your child’s eyes!
FAQs
A paediatric cataract is a condition where a child is born with or develops cloudiness in the lens of the eye, affecting their ability to see clearly. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later in childhood).
Paediatric cataracts are rare compared to adult cataracts. However, they are one of the leading causes of preventable childhood blindness if not diagnosed and treated early.
Cataracts in children can be caused by genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy (like rubella or CMV), metabolic diseases, trauma, or unknown factors. Family history can also increase the risk.
If the cataract is present at birth and affects vision, surgery is often recommended within the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. Milder cases may be treated within 3 to 4 months. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome.
Yes, cataract surgery in children is generally safe when performed by an experienced paediatric eye surgeon. It is done under general anesthesia, and children recover well with proper post-operative care
