Congenital cataracts common in children —Study

Experts have found that 61.7 per cent of children with eye problems admitted at the University College Hospital were born with a cataract.

In a study, researchers found that of the 792 children admitted for eye problems between 2013 and 2017, 61.7 per cent had congenital cataract and 38.3 per cent had acquired eye problems due to trauma, injections and so on.

According to the study, out of the 792 children with eye problems, 634 had surgical procedures and 158 had conservative management.

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The study presented on the sidelines of the 6th International Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, involved Enwezu F.K, Fakayode O.A, Oluwatunmise T.W, Bello T., Ladun-Oluroye O.O and Akinboade B.O.

They said that this sizeable portion of children with eye problems in UCH, Ibadan was of public health concern in other to salvage the sight of the future generation.

Eye problems affect the whole spectrum of the population regardless of age, gender, race and ethnic group. They are an important cause of medical consultation in children, with the spectrum varying in different localities.  Uncorrected eye problems among children have severe consequences for the child, family and society.

Children should receive prompt and proper eye care in order to avoid vision problems and eye morbidities, which could affect their learning ability, personality and adjustment in school.

Childhood blindness is second only to cataracts in terms of “blind years.” Complaints necessitating eye care consultation can originate from the child, parents or even teachers.