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When it comes to cataracts, it’s no surprise many believe that only adults are likely to get cataracts. However, babies and children can get them too. A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. When this area appears dense or large, it can lead to blurry vision or even block the vision entirely. A cataract can exist in either one eye of the child or in both. Before you plan a visit with a pediatric ophthalmologist in Delhi, here’s some information to help you better understand this condition.

Cataract in children

A pediatric cataract is detected, only when children begin pre-school or primary school, and it becomes obvious when they are unable to see clearly. This makes cataract one of the most undetected diseases and is the reason for the majority of childhood blindness cases in the country. A pediatric cataract is found to affect 15 out of every 10,000 births in India. During childhood, this condition is caused due to congenital defects, developmental defects or even infections contracted during pregnancy. India has about 2,80,000 to 3,20,000 visually impaired children. For nearly 14 per cent of the cases, childhood cataract is the cause.

Identifying cataract in your child

Cataracts cannot always be identified visibly. When they can be visually identified, they appear in the form of gray or white spots or like a reflection inside the pupil. A regular vision check-up of the child is essential for detecting cataracts as soon as possible. Check-ups are important as babies will not be able to point out the problem. Pediatricians will check the light reflex of children’s eyes to look for a cloud in the pupil. Initial vision screening should begin with the newborn child, and regular tests should be continued throughout infancy and childhood. The first examination of eyes should be post-birth and is usually carried out by the pediatrician. When the baby is about three months old, he or she should be able to look around a room and track things with their eyes. If this is not the case, a pediatric ophthalmologist in Delhi should be consulted. Parents should also check if the child’s eyes are misaligned.

How do cataracts affect vision?

Cataracts affect vision by stopping the light and images from entering the eye and reaching the retina (which is akin to the film of a camera in the back of the eye). For a child to have good vision, the light and images hitting the retina must be clear for the brain to receive a clear image from the retina. When a cataract blurs the light and images, it limits the development of vision as the vision centers in the brain do not develop correctly. This leads to a condition known as amblyopia. Treatment may then be needed to prevent permanent vision loss, after consultations with a pediatric ophthalmologist in Delhi. 

When the cataract is not detected early, it gets carried on into the teenage years. It is therefore essential to consult a pediatric ophthalmologist on observing any vision-related issues.

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