If congenital cataracts are mild and do not affect vision than they may not need to be treated, especially if they are in both eyes. Any cataracts, ranging from moderate to severe cataracts that occur in only in one eye will need to be treated with cataract removal surgery. In most (non congenital) cataract surgeries, an artificial intraocular lens is inserted into the eye. However, the use of these permanent lenses is controversial in infants. Some experts claim that by inserting an artificial lens normal eye growth and development may be affected. As your child grows, new lenses may need to fitted if your child’s eye sight changes. Instead of a permanent lens, contact lenses can be fitted on the eye’s surface which can be used to help restore vision after the natural lens is removed during cataract surgery.
Also, glasses may be prescribed to aid vision in place of an inserted artificial lens or contact lens.
Find out more about complications relating to congenital cataracts
