Cataracts in children can happen, although they do not happen very often. For a parent, this can be a very frustrating and upsetting situation. Many people do not understand how cataracts form in children, let alone how to treat them.
The Age Myth
Cataracts are most commonly associated with elderly individuals, and rightfully so. This condition frequently appears with age. However, that doesn’t mean it can only develop in older people. Cataracts in children can form because of a hereditary condition or because the natural lens of the eye did not form correctly. Eye trauma can also lead to the development of a cataract.
When Should Cataracts in Children Be Treated?
Babies and children are still growing and even a slight alteration can have dire consequences. The timing of treatment for cataracts in children really depends on the individual case. Children should be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible to determine what needs to be done. Waiting can have permanent consequences. Babies are constantly developing, and a cataract can hinder the strengthening of eye sight. Untreated, the child can grow up with impaired or no vision.
What Do Cataracts in Children Look Like?
In a baby, a cataract may not look quite the same as it does in an adult. The condition may appear like a small white spot in the pupil. Checking for cataracts in children is a part of the examination physicians perform while the infant is in the nursery. As soon as any abnormality is identified, the child should be examined and a treatment found. Even in cases where the eye is physically repaired, the brain can hinder the child’s ability to see because it was done too late.