Further Information on Childhood Cataracts Can Be Found At

Further information on childhood cataracts can be found at:

Childhood Cataract Network: http://www.childhoodcataracts.org.uk/

RNIB: http://www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health-eye-conditions-z-eye-conditions/congenital-cataracts

Scottish Sensory Service: http://www.ssc.education.ed.ac.uk/resources/vi&multi/eyeconds/catar.html

March 2016

How to contact us:

Address: SENSS VI Team,

The Wheatley Centre, Littleworth Rd, Wheatley, Oxon. OX33 1PH

Tel: 01865 456711

Email:

Special Educational Needs Support Service (Visual Impairment)

Information leaflet

Childhood Cataracts

What is it?

What are its effects?

What can we do to help?

What is a Childhood Cataract?

A cataract is an opacity, or ‘haziness’, that develops within the usually transparent lens of the eye. This restricts entrance of light into the eye and causes a distortion in vision. Cataracts can be present from birth (congenital) or can develop in childhood. Cataracts can effect one eye (unilateral) or both (bilateral). The impact of a cataract on vision depends on the level of opacity and the area of the lens affected. Glaucoma, nystagmus and photophobia are often associated with cataracts.

Cataracts are commonly treated by the surgical removal of the affected lens. This is then replaced with another lens which can be within the eye (intraocular) or outside in the form of thick (aphakic) spectacle lenses or contact lenses.

Careful monitoring of vision is necessary even after surgery as vision may still be affected: Amblyopia (lazy eye) may occur as a result of cataracts and sometimes a pale skin grows in place of the removed lens, causing visual difficulties very similar to those of the initial cataract. This is called posterior capsule opacification and may require further surgery.

Possible impacts of childhood cataracts:

·  Fine detail within images may be missed.

·  Reading printed text may be impossible if the text is too small.

·  Recognition of people from a distance may be difficult.

·  Social cues such as facial expression may be missed.

·  Access to information presented on noticeboards, display boards and sign-posts may be missed.

·  Binocular vision and depth perception may be impaired.

·  Access to information, text and images on the computer may be impaired.

·  Safety may be compromised as steps, slopes and obstacles may not be seen.

·  The level of visual functioning may deteriorate over time if cataracts are not treated or if capsule opacification occurs post-treatment.

What can we do to help?

o  Allow plenty of time for the completion of visual tasks.

o  Understand that visual tasks can be very tiring and allow time for rest and relaxation.

o  Monitor visual functioning carefully so any changes can be acted upon quickly.

o  Allow a child with cataracts to explore items and notices at a distance that is most comfortable to them.

o  Ensure printed texts are available in the reader’s preferred font size.

o  Support use of low vision aids such as magnifiers, writing slopes, white canes, bell balls and specialist software.

o  Introduce yourself when addressing a child with cataracts.

o  Address any child with cataracts by name, particularly when in a group situation.

o  Ensure diagrams, pictures and texts are presented on a high-contrast background (eg black on white).

o  Provide audio description of events occurring at a distance.

o  Ask what is most/least helpful in terms of support!