Optometric management of congenital cataracts

Congenital cataracts have historically been a major cause of visual impairment in children. Their treatment improved once deprivation amblyopia became better understood. Many children born with congenital cataracts are now able to develop good functional levels of visual acuity. Early detection and surgical removal of the cataracts are only the first steps in the treatment.

The optical correction of the resulting aphakia, usually with contact lenses, and the long term treatment of amblyopia when required are invariably more difficult. The pediatric optometrist is particularly well suited to manage this postsurgical treatment of patients with congenital cataracts.