Secondary and Acquired Cataracts

Cataract is the most common cause of treatable visual disability in children worldwide and affects approximately 500 children annually in the United States. The prevalence has been reported to range between 1 and 15 per 10,000 children (Foster et al. J Cataract Refract Surg 23(Suppl 1):601–4, 1997). Pediatric cataracts can be classified as congenital or acquired depending on their etiology and age of onset. Congenital cataracts are those that are present at birth, though may be undetected until later in life. Acquired (infantile or juvenile) cataracts are defined as those that develop between 6 months and 2 years or after 2 years, respectively. Acquired cataracts can be classified based on their etiology, morphology, and the presence or absence of associated anterior segment abnormalities. This chapter will focus on evaluation and initial management of secondary and acquired cataracts.