Juvenile Cataracts Warrant Immediate Medical Attention
 Because cataracts are frequently found in people over the age of 65 and are often thought to be a result of aging, cataracts in children, also known as juvenile cataracts, may come as a surprise to some parents. While it's rare, cataracts have been observed even in infancy, and may be caused by infections or trauma even while still in the womb.
Juvenile cataracts and adult cataracts present in the same ways and are characterized by a clouding over of the ocular lens. There are several types of juvenile cataracts, including:
- Congenital cataracts, which may be present at birth or develop during childhood. They may be due to infection or another health condition that developed before birth.
- Traumatic cataracts, which are often caused by an eye injury and can show up years after the injury.
- Secondary cataracts, which may be related to health problems like diabetes or develop after surgery for other eye conditions.
Symptoms may include blurry vision, poor vision at night, severe reactions to glare, and even a visibly cloudy or white spot on your child's eye. Not all children will experience the symptoms associated with typical cataracts.
For a child who does not experience impairment because of juvenile cataracts, treatment may be as simple as regular eye check-ups to monitor the condition. But, if vision problems affect your child's schoolwork and play, eye surgery may be required.
Surgery for juvenile cataracts is often very successful, relatively painless, and usually takes less than an hour. In many cases, children are able to return to school and regular activities within just a few short days and no further intervention is needed beyond routine eye exams.
Whether your child is suffering from an eye condition like juvenile cataracts or you'd just like to know your preventive options, there are several ways to protect and maintain eye health. Limiting exposure to sunlight or protecting your child's eyes while in the sun is a first step. Some doctors may recommend diets rich in nutrients like lutein and antioxidants like glutathione, which can also be found in supplement form.
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