Congenital cataracts presenting as a childhood squint

Aim:  A timely reminder that a small posterior subcapsular cataract could present with a squint. Methods:  A case series is reported of 4 patients who were referred to the paediatric ophthalmology service for management of a squint. Results:  In all 4 cases the strabismus was secondary to the undiag...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shanel Sharma, Chloe Lafferty, G. G. W. Adams
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: White Rose University Press 2012-08-01
Series:British and Irish Orthoptic Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.bioj-online.com/articles/76
Description
Summary:Aim:  A timely reminder that a small posterior subcapsular cataract could present with a squint. Methods:  A case series is reported of 4 patients who were referred to the paediatric ophthalmology service for management of a squint. Results:  In all 4 cases the strabismus was secondary to the undiagnosed posterior subcapsular cataract. Conclusion:  These cases emphasise the importance of carefully examining the red reflex in any child presenting with a squint. If the squint does not fit into the typical pattern of presentation, or a smudge appears to be present when performing retinoscopy or indirect ophthalmoscopy, a further assessment of the media using a direct ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp should be undertaken to check for a congenital cataract. A portable slit lamp can be very helpful in examining small children.
ISSN:2516-3590