Pediatric Cataracts Flashcards
What is the importance of distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral infantile cataracts?
It is useful when considering the etiology, as they have different causes and associations.
What is the most common cause of bilateral congenital or infantile cataracts not associated with a syndrome?
Genetic mutation, with over fifteen genes identified as involved in cataract formation.
What is the most common pattern of inheritance for genetic mutations causing bilateral cataracts?
Autosomal dominant, although it can also be X-linked or autosomal recessive.
Name some systemic associations of bilateral congenital cataracts.
Metabolic disorders such as galactosemia, Wilson disease, hypocalcemia, and diabetes, as well as syndromes like trisomy 21.
What intrauterine infections can cause bilateral congenital cataracts?
Rubella, herpes simplex, toxoplasmosis, varicella, and syphilis
How are most unilateral cataracts different in terms of inheritance and systemic disease association?
Most unilateral cataracts are not inherited or associated with systemic disease and have unknown etiology.
What ocular conditions may be associated with unilateral cataracts?
Local dysgenesis and other ocular dysgenesis such as persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), posterior lenticonus, or lentiglobus.
What is a known cause of pediatric cataracts besides genetic or systemic factors?
Trauma.
What should be considered if a child presents with an acquired cataract but no known history of trauma?
Investigation for signs suggestive of child abuse.
Why is prompt treatment of visually significant cataracts necessary in children?
To allow proper development of vision.
What exam is extremely useful for estimating the size and location of a cataract within the visual axis?
The red reflex exam
What are some ocular abnormalities that may accompany cataracts?
Microcornea, megalocornea, coloboma of the iris, aniridia, and zonular dehiscence.
What symptoms may raise concern in infants with cataracts?
Lack of reaction to light, strabismus, failure to notice toys and faces, or an apparent delay in development.
What symptom might mild cataracts cause in bright lights?
Photophobia.
What is leukocoria, and how is it related to cataracts?
Leukocoria is a white reflection from the pupil, which can be mistaken for cataracts. It is important to differentiate between cataracts and other conditions that cause leukocoria.
