[Cataract in childhood-Part 1 : Diagnostics and preoperative management]

Cataract in childhood can be associated with a high amblyogenic risk depending on the age at onset, extent of lens opacity and cataract laterality and accompanying ocular diseases. Early diagnosis and initiation of adequate treatment of a cataract in childhood are essential for a favorable long-term development of visual acuity. The decision for or against surgical treatment is essentially dependent on the estimation of the individual amblyogenic risk. This article provides an overview of relevant publications and own research data and therefore the current state of research on the topics etiology, symptoms, amblyogenic risk and diagnostics of pediatric cataract. This article focuses on conspicuous symptoms and the importance and performance of diagnostic methods including the Bruckner test, funduscopy without pupil dilation and adequate visual acuity testing in preverbal children. The assessment of the individual risk of amblyopia and possible long-term functional and morphological results represent the basis for treatment planning of cataract in childhood.