What is a Cataract?
We all have lenses in our eye that we are naturally born with and help us focus. A cataract is any cloudiness or opacity of the natural lens of the eye that can interfere with vision.
How Does a Cataract Cause Vision Loss?
Normally, light enters the eye and is projected to the retina, which is the inner surface of the back of the eye. The retina senses the light and transmits the signal to the brain. A cataract may stop light from reaching the retina and prevent the eye from seeing. If a cataract is present in a child, it can limit the child ‘s visual development and lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). Not all infantile or pediatric cataracts cause amblyopia, but prompt surgical treatment is necessary if there is risk for or evidence of amblyopia.
Source: American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus