Congenital and infantile cataracts produce deprivation amblyopia and can thus cause lifelong visual impairment. Successful management is dependent on early diagnosis and referral for surgery when indicated. Accurate optical rehabilitation and postoperative supervision are essential. The timing of surgery and its relationship to the duration of deprivation is important. Unilateral congenital cataract surgery within 6 weeks of birth produces the best outcomes.
The equivalent 'latent' period for bilateral visual deprivation may be longer at around 10 weeks. Primary intraocular (IOL) implantation has become accepted practice for older children with cataract. Whilst primary IOL implantation is being increasingly undertaken in 3 children in the first 2 years of life, the long-term benefits and the factors associated with positive and negative outcomes are unclear. In this video, managing a…
