Cataracts
Cataracts are cloudy patches which appear on the lens component of the eye; they may develop in one or both eyes and they can make vision blurred and unclear. In the vast majority of cases, cataracts affect older people; however, cataracts can also affect children. Childhood cataracts are very rare and are often the result of a birth defect or an inherited condition; cataracts may be caused by a chromosome disorder, such as Down’s syndrome or as a result of an infection, such as Rubella or toxoplasmosis, which affects the mother during pregnancy.
Common symptoms of cataracts include cloudy patches over the lens of the eye, which are sometimes visible and blurred vision; babies with cataracts may not be aware of their surroundings and they may not respond to visual stimuli. Treatment for cataracts usually depends on the nature of the individual case; in more severe cases, the cataract will be removed by means of surgery and an artificial lens will be used. Other possible treatments include wearing glasses or contact lenses. In very severe cases, treatment may not be possible and the cataracts may eventually cause blindness.
To find out more about cataracts, you can visit the guide on cataracts.