Causes of pediatric cataract in rural population of North India

Aims: To identify the causes of childhood cataract in rural population of north India with special emphasis on potentially preventable causes. Study design: Cross-sectional, observation study.  Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, UP University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, India, during December 2014 to November 2015. Methodology: A total of 50 childhood cataract cases (0-15 years age) attending an eye OPD were evaluated including the detailed history comprising age, birth weight, evidence of maternal infection (especially the TORCH infections), rash or febrile illness during pregnancy, any other prenatal and perinatal history that may be pertinent (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, drug use, ionizing radiation exposure during pregnancy), history of ocular trauma, history of corticosteroid therapy and family history. Detailed ocular examination comprising anterior segment examination including morphology of cataract and posterior segment examination under full mydriasis was performed in both eyes, wherever possible. A slit-lamp examination of both the parents was done, that helps to establish the presence of familial cataracts and cataract-associated conditions. Serological investigations such as titers for rubella specific IgM, blood glucose, serum calcium, serum potassium and urine reducing sugars were carried out as indicated. Results: Out of 50 (males 27, females 23) cases, 35 cases (70%) were non-traumatic and 15 cases (30%) were traumatic. Among 35 non-traumatic cases, 17 cases were bilateral and 18 cases were unilateral. For non-traumatic etiology, 9 cases (25.7%) were hereditary, 6 (17.14%) cases were due to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and 20 cases (57.14%) were idiopathic. In children under 1 year of age with no history of trauma, 30% cases were due to CRS. In 15 cases of trauma, the cause of trauma was found to be wooden stick in 4 cases(26.6%),thorn injury in 4 cases(26.6%), firecracker injury in 1case(6.6%), cricket ball injury in 4 cas