Congenital cataract - clinical and morphological aspects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital cataract is a primary cause of childhood blindness globally, affecting an estimated 14 million children.
• Early surgical intervention is critical to prevent permanent vision impairment in affected newborns and children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of congenital cataract in a pediatric cohort.
• To identify the most frequent cataract types and morphological changes observed during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 82 pediatric patients with congenital cataract operated at a single center in Bucharest, Romania.
• Classification of cataract types (total, lamellar, nuclear, cerulean) and laterality (unilateral, bilateral).
• Documentation of surgical approaches and intraocular lens (IOL) types used, alongside morphological observations of ocular tissues.

Main Results:

• The study included 82 children (56.1% male, 43.9% female), with 59.76% presenting bilateral and 40.24% unilateral congenital cataract.
• Total cataract was the most prevalent clinical presentation, followed by lamellar, nuclear, and cerulean types.
• Morphological examination revealed significant changes in the anterior and posterior capsules, as well as subcapsular areas.

Conclusions:

• Congenital cataract surgery in children requires tailored approaches based on cataract type and laterality.
• Understanding morphological changes is essential for optimizing surgical techniques and improving visual outcomes in pediatric cataract patients.
• This study highlights the importance of specialized ophthalmological centers in managing congenital cataracts in children.