Management of Congenital Cataract in Sub-Saharan Africa

Congenital Cataract Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis of 62 Patients in a Developing Country

“…When the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded with increasing age, this is referred to as a cataract. Congenital cataracts in newborns are common and may be caused by pharmaceutical reactions, inflammation, genetic diabetes, trauma, infection, susceptibility, or metabolic abnormalities [ 4 , 5 ]. The use of tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy to treat infection may result in the development of a congenital cataract as a side effect [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…In the case of congenital cataracts, issues emerge as a result of the creation of crucial proteins that are required to preserve the clarity of the native lens. Recently developed surgical techniques have had a substantial impact on the outcomes of cataract surgery in neonates, which has been shown to be significantly improved [ 4 ]. However, complications will always occur, whether during surgery, soon thereafter, or in the years that follow [ 2 , 4 ].…”

“…Recently developed surgical techniques have had a substantial impact on the outcomes of cataract surgery in neonates, which has been shown to be significantly improved [ 4 ]. However, complications will always occur, whether during surgery, soon thereafter, or in the years that follow [ 2 , 4 ].…”

“…A variety of surgical techniques have been developed to reduce the incidence of posterior capsular opacification. The surgical therapy for congenital cataracts is posterior chamber IOL implantation with anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulotomy, which is usually acknowledged as the gold standard [ 4 , 7 ]. It is controversial whether or not an anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulotomy should be performed at a certain age or not.…”

“…Compared to established regions, the prevalence of this illness has grown tenfold in emerging areas, with 1-15 children out of every thousand suffering from it in developing countries. Despite its poor visual outcomes, pediatric cataract surgery is still the primary therapeutic option [ 4 , 7 ].…”