Nowadays, cataract disease is affecting not only adults but also small children. Let us tell you what the reasons are behind this, to which this is happening?

Cataract is an eye disease in which the lens of the eye becomes blurred, which leads to poor vision. Usually it occurs in the elderly, but sometimes cataracts are also seen in children. If cataracts are not treated timely in children, their vision can be affected and it can cause loss of vision. Therefore, it is very important to understand the causes of cataracts in children and get them treated in time.

Five regions of cataract in children

Congenital Cataract

Some babies are born with cataracts. This is usually due to genetic reasons or an infection suffered by the mother during pregnancy (such as radiological exposure, rubella virus).

Eye Injury

Children can also develop cataracts if they get an eye injury while playing or due to an accident. The surface of the lens gets affected due to the injury, which leads to blurriness.

Cystic Fibrosis and Metabolic Disorders

Some metabolic diseases such as galactosemia, neurodermatitis, etc. can cause cataracts in children. These diseases affect the lens of the body.

Effect of medicines

If children are given certain medicines for a long time, especially medicines like steroids, then this can also cause cataract development.

Eye Infection

The risk of cataract increases if children have eye infections. Especially if the infection is not treated on time, the quality of the lens can deteriorate.

Symptoms and treatment of cataract

Symptoms of cataract in children may include loss of vision, redness of the eyes, white or blurred vision. If the child's parents notice any such symptoms, they should immediately consult an eye specialist. Cataract is treated by surgery, in which the cloudy lens is removed and a new lens is implanted. This is necessary for the development of the child's vision on time.

Preventive measures

• Proper care of mother during pregnancy
• protect children from eye injuries
• Get timely treatment for infections
• Keep getting regular eye checkups

What does the doctor say?

According to Dr. Rajesh Sinha, ophthalmologist at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Eye Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, "Cataracts in children should not be ignored. If early symptoms are seen, consult a specialist immediately. It is treatable, but delay can have a permanent impact on the child's vision."