Pediatric Cataract - Importance of Early Detection and Management

Abstract

Pediatric cataract is often diagnosed and managed late. This delay may be due to the ignorance on the part of the community, financial constraints, delay in the diagnosis and lack of tertiary care facilities. There is an urgent need to include rubella vaccination in the universal immunization program. A Simple Red Reflex test to detect a cataract and guiding the parent for early intervention will go a long way in achieving the target of eliminating cataract as a cause of childhood blindness. The importance of early detection and quick referral to a multispecialty center can save the child of lot many blind-years. These children have the potential to achieve the best possible visual acuity if managed early.

Keywords: Early detection; Management; Pediatric cataract; Role of pediatrician.