Pediatric Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, and while it is often associated with older adults, it can also occur in infants (congenital cataract) or develop during childhood. Because a child's visual system is still developing, an undetected cataract can seriously affect long-term vision if not identified and treated early.

Our evaluation focuses on identifying cataracts as early as possible — ideally during routine newborn and infant eye checks — since timing is critical to giving the child the best chance at normal visual development. Depending on the size, location and impact of the cataract, treatment may range from close monitoring to surgical removal, often followed by a period of vision rehabilitation including glasses, contact lenses or patching therapy to help the brain and eye learn to work together properly after surgery.