'Congenital cataract could be reason for blindness'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2016 : The general notion that cataract blindness is only for the aged is false as new born infants can suffer from blindness due to congenital cataract if not treated or diagnosed in time, stated Consultant Orbit Oculoplasty Dr Noornika Khuraijam of Shija Eye Care Foundation.

In an interaction with The Sangai Express today at Shija Eye Care Foundation, Health City, Langol, Dr Noornika said that the vision of a child after birth develops up-to 90 percent within their first two years and the remaining 10 percent within nine years of their life.

During such crucial period, a child suffering from congenital cataract will have no chance of having any form of vision.

Congenital cataract can be termed as clouding of the lens of the eye present at birth.

Among the cause of such defect in the eye includes infection which accounts for 25 percent.

Infection like Rubella (German measles) a mild form of measles during early pregnancy within three months is the most common cause of congenital cataract.

Metabolic disorder accounts for another 25 percent.

While another 25 percent of congenital cataracts are caused by genetic reasons.

Causes of genetic reasons may be due to close inter-relationship marriage, she added.

Idiopatheic (unknown cause) accounts for another 25 percent of cause of such cataract among new born children.

Dr Noornika said that societies or cultures which promote inter-relationship marriage are among the worst hit by such defects.

If any newborn child is found to suffer from congenital cataract early diagnosis and treatment within two years of the child is critical, she added.

By any chance, if treatment is delayed for varied reasons, there is possibility of the eye developing 'Amblyopia' (lazy eye).

Amblyopia is poor vision in an eye that did not develop normal sight during early childhood.

Usually, only one eye is affected by amblyopia, but it is possible for both eyes to be 'lazy'.

This condition is called bilateral amblyopia, she added.

Though there is no concrete treatment of amblyopia is there, corrected eye can be trained using therapy.

Further she stated that there is wrong notion or apprehension among adults that young children should not go under the knife.

By doing so, chances of the child suffering from amblyopia are greatly increased, she asserted.

Citing other cases which could account for blindness among children Dr Noornika said chronic Vitamin A deficiency could lead to corneal opacity and completely blind the eye.

She added that child suffering from congenital cataract should be treated at the earliest before the age to two and if found later treatment should be done before the age of nine.

Early diagnosis through a trained professional ophthalmologist and treatment is the key to prevent blindness among children.

"The older the child grows, chances of successful correction of congenital cataract decreases," Dr Noornika said.

Comment