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Attention! Cases of cataract in infants are increasing; Here’s what you can do to keep your child from going blind
There has been a significant increase in infant cataracts in the last few years. In India, six out of every 10,000 children are born with the condition and overall, it accounts for 10 percent of childhood blindness. According to experts, most of the time there are hereditary problems that cause this condition. However, cataracts in children can be prevented with the help of some preventive measures. Read on to find out what they are.
More than 15% of childhood blindness are genetic – more than 15% of children born with cataracts each year
Cataracts, commonly known as cataracts safe cataract It is generally known as a disease of old people. However, there has been a recent increase in the prevalence of this condition, which is commonly seen in young children, especially infants.
According to statistics, six out of every 10,000 children in India are born with such a condition and overall, it accounts for 10 percent of childhood blindness.
Why are cataracts increasing in infants?
Doctors say that the incidence of pediatric cataracts – a medical condition which is a physiological degenerative change that affects the transparency of the natural lens, is, in fact, increasing for a number of reasons. More than 15 percent of cases of childhood blindness are genetic – more children are born with the condition every year.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts are estimated to be present in approximately 1 to 15/10,000 children worldwide, accounting for 5–20 percent of childhood blindness. Globally, approximately 200,000 children worldwide are blind from bilateral cataracts.
Doctors say the condition is mostly linked to high prevalence of maternal infections due to inadequate vaccination or health care access. Additionally, many areas with limited access to prenatal care, high rates of maternal infection, or poor nutrition appear to have higher prevalence. Rural areas and socio-economically disadvantaged groups are often more affected by infantile cataracts.
Additionally, poor nutrition in pregnant women and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of cataracts in newborns. According to experts, sure Infections such as toxoplasmosis and rubella Travel through the placenta and reach the fetus – causing eye disorders.
Early symptoms of cataract in babies
Doctors say that most cases of childhood cataract are detected during routine eye checkups of children or when parents notice vision problems in children, as children themselves do not understand the decline in their vision.
Some of the early signs and symptoms of cataracts in newborns that parents should pay attention to include:
- white or cloudy appearance of pupils
- Lack of visual feedback or failure to follow objects
- slanted or cross-eyed eyes – also called strabismus
- Difficulty recognizing faces or tracking light sources
Additionally, cataracts can be diagnosed at birth during routine newborn testing or if symptoms appear during the first few months.
Doctors recommend you to undergo regular screening tests like red reflex examination, which is highly effective in early detection. This is especially important in cases of premature delivery, significant prenatal history such as history of fever with rash in the mother and even significant family history.
Preventive measures to be taken by expectant mothers to reduce the risk of cataract in babies
In addition to genetic predispositions, there are many other risk factors that can be significantly reduced by proactive steps taken before and during pregnancy. Some of these include:
- Vaccination against infections such as rubella, influenza and chickenpox before pregnancy will help reduce complications during pregnancy.
- Adequate prenatal care and regular checkups are important for early detection and treatment
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals like folic acid, iron and zinc. In addition, you should take prenatal medication regularly
- Simple measures like avoiding smoking, alcohol and exposure to harmful toxins also play a major role
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