Diseases of the Lens
Cataract in children is usually bilateral and is genetically determined. This could also be due to the following factors:
1.Systemic conditions like galactosemia and hypocalcemia
2. Maternal rubella
3. Intraocular disease such as uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, retinal detachment and retrolental fibroplasia
4. Drugs like thalidomide
5. Trauma
In cataract, there will be a whitish opacity at the pupillary area. Because of this, there will be blurring to no vision at all.
The only treatment available is surgical removal of the cataract. If the cause of the cataract is Rubella, it will only be removed after the third year of life as the virus is found to be viable up to that time.
After removal cataract lenses should be used.
Lens dislocation is another disease of the lens common in the pediatric age group. This condition can be partially ( subluxation) or completely( luxation). Vision is impaired in all cases. If the vision can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses, then, it is better to leave the lens alone. But if there is tropia, glaucoma or uveitis, the dislocated lens has to be removed.
Examination of the eyes is an integral part of doing a thorough physical examination during wellness child visit. Once we, pediatricians, will notice that something is abnormal, we immediately refer the child to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and management.