Congenital cataract

Definition

A congenital cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally clear. It focuses light that comes into the eye onto the retina.

Alternative Names

Cataract - congenital

Causes

Unlike most cataracts, which occur with aging, congenital cataracts are present at birth.

Congenital cataracts are rare. In most people, no cause can be found.

Congenital cataracts often occur as part of the following birth defects:

  • Chondrodysplasia syndrome
  • Congenital rubella
  • Conradi-Hünermann syndrome
  • Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
  • Ectodermal dysplasia syndrome
  • Familial congenital cataracts
  • Galactosemia
  • Hallermann-Streiff syndrome
  • Lowe syndrome
  • Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome
  • Pierre-Robin syndrome
  • Trisomy 13

Symptoms

Congenital cataracts most often look different than other forms of cataract.

Symptoms may include:

  • An infant does not seem to be visually aware of the world around them (if cataracts are in both eyes)
  • Gray or white cloudiness of the pupil (which is normally black)
  • The "red eye" glow (red reflex) of the pupil is missing in photos, or is different between the 2 eyes
  • Unusual rapid eye movements (nystagmus)

Exams and Tests

To diagnose congenital cataract, the infant should have a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist. The infant may also need to be examined by a pediatrician who is experienced in treating inherited disorders. Blood tests or x-rays may also be needed.

Treatment

If congenital cataracts are mild and do not affect vision, they may not need to be treated, especially if they are in both eyes.

Moderate to severe cataracts that affect vision, or a cataract that is in only 1 eye, will need to be treated with cataract removal surgery. In most (noncongenital) cataract surgeries, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted into the eye. The use of IOLs in infants is controversial. Without an IOL, the infant will need to wear a contact lens.

Patching to force the child to use the weaker eye is often needed to prevent amblyopia.

The infant may also need to be treated for the inherited disorder that has caused the cataracts.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Removing a congenital cataract is usually a safe, effective procedure. The child will need follow-up for vision rehabilitation. Most infants with congenital cataract in one eye have some level of "lazy eye" (amblyopia) and will need to use patching after the surgery in an attempt to reverse it.

Possible Complications

With cataract surgery there is a very slight risk of:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Inflammation

Infants who have surgery for congenital cataracts are likely to develop another type of cataract, which may need further surgery or laser treatment.

Many of the diseases that are associated with congenital cataract can also affect other organs.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an urgent appointment with your baby's health care provider if:

  • You notice that the pupil of one or both eyes appears white or cloudy.
  • The child seems to ignore part of their visual world.

Prevention

If you have a family history of inheritable disorders that could cause congenital cataracts, consider seeking genetic counseling.

References

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.

Lambert SR, Cotsonis G, DuBois L, et al; Infant Aphakia Treatment Study Group. Long-term effect of intraocular lens vs contact lens correction on visual acuity after cataract surgery during infancy: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(4):365-372. PMID: 32077909 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32077909/.

Lambert SR, Wilson ME Jr, Plager DA, Lloyd IC. Update on pediatric cataracts. AAPOS Webinar. May 12, 2017. www.aao.org/annual-meeting-video/update-on-pediatric-cataracts. Accessed September 28, 2023.

Örge FH. Examination and common problems in the neonatal eye. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 95.

Senna I, Piller S, Ben-Zion I, Ernst MO. Recalibrating vision-for-action requires years after sight restoration from congenital cataracts. Elife. 2022;11:e78734. PMID: 36278872 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36278872/.

Wevill M. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, causes, morphology, and visual effects of cataract. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 5.5.

Related Links

Review Date: 8/4/2023
Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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