Congenital cataracts

Abstract

The adverse effects of abnormal visual input on the developing visual system of the neonate are described. The results are far worse for unilateral visual obstruction, but degeneration in the lateral geniculate nuclei and the visual cortex of monkeys also occurs with bilateral visual difficulties. Congenital cataracts need to be diagnosed and removed within the first week or 10 days after birth. Shortly afterwards, keratometry and the fitting of hard contact lenses are required. Past results from the surgery of unilateral cataracts have been distressingly poor. As well as early surgery, aniseikonia is now being corrected in attempts to improve the visual results. Much supervision is required to follow relatively rapid changes in refraction, and occlusion therapy demands close attention lest amblyopia occur in either eye.