Eye specialists have explained why some babies are born with cataracts or develop them early in life.
Cataracts can affect children for several different reasons. Doctors say that pregnant women with uncontrolled diabetes or other health issues may give birth to babies with cataracts. However, there are many other possible causes of cataracts in children.
They advise that proper antenatal care during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications that may lead to eye problems in newborns.
Aside from diabetes, infections during pregnancy—such as rubella (German measles)—can also cause cataracts in babies. Experts encourage teenage girls to get vaccinated against rubella.
Cataracts in children can be present at birth (called congenital) or happen later (acquired). Injuries to the eye are one way children can develop cataracts.
The doctors also noted that in many cases, the exact cause of cataracts in children may not be known.
According to the World Health Organization, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that affects vision. It’s the leading cause of blindness and vision loss, especially as people age.
However, WHO adds that cataracts can also affect children—either from birth, injury, inflammation, other diseases like diabetes, or even due to steroid use or exposure to certain radiation.
Dr. Halima Alimi, a children’s eye specialist, said that some cataracts in children can be inherited. She also said cataracts can be treated successfully with surgery when needed.
Dr. Alimi, who runs a nonprofit focused on children’s eye care, recommends that all babies have their eyes checked around six months of age. Early detection helps prevent long-term effects on a child’s growth and development.
She explained that cataracts happen in children for many reasons. Some are born with it (congenital), while others get it later. Any problem that affects the clarity of the eye’s lens can cause cataracts.
One major cause of congenital cataracts is infection during pregnancy—especially rubella. If a mother gets rubella early in pregnancy, it can affect the baby’s developing eyes.
If the infection occurs early in pregnancy, when the baby’s eyes are still forming, it can lead to cataracts and other birth defects. This is a common reason for cataracts in newborns.
Children born to mothers with uncontrolled diabetes or other metabolic disorders can also develop cataracts, especially if these conditions are passed down or affect the child directly.
The international NGO, Sightsavers, says cataracts are a major cause of blindness in children worldwide.
Dr. Alimi added that not all cataracts are present at birth. Some develop later due to causes like injury or infection.
She pointed out that children are prone to eye injuries during play, and serious injuries can lead to cataracts. Inflammation inside the eye, if untreated, can also lead to cataracts. She warned against self-medication for this reason.
Inherited diseases and misuse of steroids are other known causes of cataracts in children.
Some signs of cataracts in children include delayed sitting, walking, or smiling. Dr. Alimi urged parents to take their children for regular eye checkups to catch problems early.
Other signs to watch for include squinting in bright light, a white spot in the eye, strange eye movements, or trouble focusing. These may all signal cataracts.
She said cataracts that are serious enough are treated with surgery. After surgery, children need help learning to use glasses and maintain their vision.
Dr. Alimi advised that parents can help prevent cataracts in their children by ensuring proper care during pregnancy, preventing eye injuries, avoiding misuse of drugs, and vaccinating girls against rubella.
Another eye specialist, Dr. Folasade Fasina, said cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in Nigeria.
She explained that cataracts are treated by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one. This can only be done through surgery.
Dr. Fasina said there are different surgical methods to remove cataracts, but all require an eye specialist.
She noted that cataracts are diagnosed when a doctor examines the patient’s eyes and runs tests, especially if they complain of blurry vision.
Mild cataracts may be managed with glasses at first, but surgery is the final and most effective treatment.
A 2021 study from Denmark found that mothers with diabetes before or during pregnancy were more likely to have children with eye problems.
The researchers discovered a link between maternal diabetes and vision issues like high refractive errors, where the eye cannot focus properly.
They recommend early eye screenings for children born to mothers with diabetes, to help protect their vision.
