Babies with cataract

It is not unusual for children to be born with cataract in the eyes, reveals a write-up sent by The Mehta International Eye Institute, Bombay, whose director, Dr Keiki R. Mehta has devised a successful new line of treatment to tackle this problem. The eye institute, which specializes in pediatric eye care, has pioneered the dual intra-ocular lens (IOL) system which enables a new born baby with cataract to have good functional vision.

When the cloudy lens is removed to let light into the eye one cannot focus the image onto the back of the eye, so an artificial plastic IOL is placed inside the eye. With an implanted IOL, the baby will have good corrected vision. But there is a catch. As babies’ eyes grow, the size of the eyeball changes (until the age of two) and the power also changes. Because the strength of the implanted lens cannot change, the child is often left with a big residual power which may affect future vision.

Mehta’s method involves the simultaneous implanting of two IOLs. The primary lens is calculated to be of the correct power when the child grows up. An additional very thin hydrophilic disposable lens is placed in front of it which is removed after the baby crosses the age of two years. This way the child can see well at all times, and will get the exact power it requires for correct vision. Mehta’s research was presented in the USA where it was well accepted.

Some children are born with cataracts while others develop them as a result of diseases like diabetes. The condition has also been linked to steroid use. Eye(s) that have sustained injury may also develop a traumatic cataract either during forceps delivery with accidental pressure on the eye. Mothers need to look out for symptoms like the child needing brighter light to see and groping when the light is reduced, or conversely when a child seems to be blinded by too much light and tries to evade it. Tears flow out of the eye of a child with cataract at any exposure to bright light which a normal baby can easily stand, and it will often protest, crying loudly. It is only at a later stage that the mother will be able to detect grayness or whiteness in the pupil. In babies, even a transient obstruction of vision can lead to permanent eye damage and the cataract should be removed the moment it is discovered.

Dr Mehta can be contacted at 9820031041, 9821018214 or 022-22151303. Mail: keiki_mehta@yahoo. com/drkeiki@mehtaeyeinstitute.com. Website: www.mehtaeyeinstitute.com