Prevalence of Congenital Cataract and Lens Extraction in Lahore Population

Abstract

Congenital cataracts account for one-third of infant blindness
globally and are one of the leading cause of vision loss in children. A retrospective
study was performed between October 2020 and April 2021 on congenital cataract
patients of Lahore visited ophthalmologic consultation at the Al Ehsaan eye hospital,
General Hospital and Mayo hospital. The purpose of the study was to find the
prevalence of congenital cataract in children. About 100 cases of congenital cataract
including both male and female children were identified from age group of 1-13
years. Congenital cataract was diagnosed using Snellen’s visual acuity test,
ophthalmoscope and slit lamp test. Male children showed greater prevalence of
congenital cataract as compared to female children. The prevalence of congenital
cataract in male children was 55% (n=55) while among female children, it was 45%
(n=45). Both conditions of unilateral and bilateral congenital cataract were observed
with incidence of 46% (n=46) and 54% (n=54) in male and female children
respectively. Lens extraction was also done in 94% (n=94) and after surgery 55%
(n=52) patients showed positive response and 45% (n=42) patient had negative
response for light perception. Moreover, most patients of congenital cataracts were
of less than 1 year of age group. It was concluded congenital cataract may lead to
childhood blindness if not treated on time.