Cataract
The photo on the left is an eye with a cataract. The picture on the right is an illustration of an eye with a cataract.
Facts about Cataracts
- A cataract is a portion of the lens which has become cloudy or yellowed. Some cataracts cause vision problems but some can be so small that they don't cause significant vision loss.
- Most cataracts are acquired late in life, but they can also be present at birth or be caused by injury or diabetes.
- Symptoms include cloudy or blurred vision and whiteness in the pupil upon examination.
- Cataracts are diagnosed with a visual acuity test and an examination of the pupil.
- Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts.
- Cataracts in children are often present with other birth defects, such as metabolic diseases or Down's Syndrome.
- When a child has a cataract in only one eye, amblyopia can develop because they tend to prefer their good eye. Patching therapy is recommended to treat this as well as surgery for the cataract.
Helpful Links
Children's Hospital Page About Cataracts