This topic is essential. Parents and guardians must pay rapt attention to this write-up. The way adults respond to cataract symptoms is quite different from how children react to it. Kids, at times, might not know how to put in words the way they are feeling. That is why parents and guardians should shun all distractions right now and pay rapt attention to the details provided here.
Of course, the fact remains that the symptoms of cataracts stay the same in both adults and young ones. But there’s a thin line between how children respond to the symptoms of cataracts. Therefore, this article aims at providing adequate information about the common symptoms of cataracts in Children. Not only that, but we will also explain briefly the possible way out. Before we move further, it is good to start this write-up with the meaning of cataracts.
What is a cataract?
Cataracts occur when there’s a solid or cloudy zone in the eye’s lens. This eye problem regularly begins when the protein in the eye generates clumps that prevent the lens from sending or transporting clear images to the retina. Don’t forget that the work of the retina is to change the light that comes via the lens into signals. Also, the retina leads signals to the optic nerve before the brain receives them. One fearful thing about cataract is that it occurs bit by bit and if one joke with it, it could result in total blindness. Once there’s a cataract, the only way out is cataract surgery. You might be wondering if kids can undergo cataract surgery. Of course, they can. Cataract surgery remains the perfect way of treating cataracts in both young and adults. Don’t worry; just read through. We will briefly talk about cataract surgery as well as the only remedy.
Research shows that 40% of children live with cataracts in their eyes in the world. There are some kids with glasses at the age of three. Some of them inherit cataracts from their mother. Oh! You might be wondering if one can be born with cataracts. Of course, it is possible. That is what we call a congenital cataract. If the mother has cataracts and her genes are strong, there’s a tendency that the child will also come into the world with cataracts. This point is unarguable.
Let me chip in this parents must carefully observe their kids, especially when kids are at their tender age. Children with cataracts may find it hard to communicate or discuss how they are feeling at their tender age. For instance, a child of three years can’t talk about his vision is blurry. So, parents must carefully observe their kids. There are some things to do to know if a child lives with cataracts.
Symptoms of cataracts in children
- The glare of lights: If you don’t want to spend some money doing cataract surgery for your kids, you need to stay strong and focus on your kids. The glare of lights is a sign that one is living with cataracts. The ray of bright light can be painful for people battling posterior subcapsular cataracts. But the issue here is how you will notice these signs in kids. You will see your child reacting somehow to bright light. A child might make an unpleasant sound whenever he sets his eyes on a bright light. That is why parents need to be observant. Only those who pay rapt attention to gestures would notice the glare of lights as a problem affecting their child’s vision.
- Water coming out of their eyes: This sign is common among children. One of the ways their eyes could show or tell that there’s a problem is by pushing out water unnecessarily. So, if you see the water rushing out of your kid’s eye, there’s a cause for alarm. You need to carry such a child to visit the eye doctor. That’s one of the symptoms of cataracts in children. The eye doctor will examine the child, telling you what to do. It is either you go for cataract surgery, or you use medications. Get more about eye diseases on https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cata.html
- Rubbing of eyes: One of the ways kids can show you that something is wrong with their eyes is by wanting to rub their eyes with their hands. You will see them trying to use their hand to rub their eyes. However, some cannot say how they are feeling via words. When you see them trying to rub their hand on their eyes, it may be that they are feeling some pain. Therefore, parents should take note of all these things. The way the symptoms of cataracts will react in adults differs from how they would show in kids. So, once you notice that your kid cannot stop rubbing his eye with his hand, you need to see the doctor. Please don’t waste time on it. I mean, don’t postpone it. If the doctor examines your child and says the only way out is by undergoing cataract surgery, let it be done as soon as possible.
Don’t be scared to allow your kid to undergo this process. Cataract surgery is the best and perfect way, only if your doctor says otherwise.
What is cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is eradicating the affected natural lens and replacing it with an artificial one. This surgery is done or carried out by a professional ophthalmologist. I can boldly tell you that everyone that has gone through this process can say something good about it. It is not as scary as it sounds to the ears. In some parts of the world, people get scared whenever they hear “surgery.” You don’t need any flattering words before you believe that the only way to restore one’s vision perfectly is by undergoing cataract surgery. It is the easiest and the safest method of getting one’s eye back to work. Don’t be deceived. People can tell you that all your kid need is eyeglasses. Please note that I am not saying eyeglasses cannot work. But I know that eyeglasses cannot perfectly correct a kid’s lens as undergoing this surgery would do.
