congenital cataract

Last reviewed 01/2018

Congenital cataract is one present from birth. It should be detected in baby check examinations from the absence of a red reflex in the affected eye.

Congenital cataract is the most common cause of visual impairment and blindness in children around the world (1).

In UK, all new born babies are checked for congenital cataracts at birth and again at 6 weeks of age (2).

Reference:

• (1) Rahi JS, Dezateux C; British Congenital Cataract Interest Group. Measuring and interpreting the incidence of congenital ocular anomalies: lessons from a national study of congenital cataract in the UK. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2001;42(7):1444-8
• (2) Royal College of Ophthalmologists 20010. Cataract surgery guidelines