Congenital cataracts
The UK NSC policy on Congenital cataract screening in newborns
More Information
About two hundred children a year are born in the UK with opacity of the lens of one or both eyes - a cataract.
Most children born with cataracts are otherwise healthy and many will have other family members born with cataract. However, in some cases, cataract is a sign of a syndrome (such as Down's syndrome).
If cataract is the only abnormality of the eye and the child is treated within the first few months of life, the prognosis for vision is good.
» Read more about congenital cataracts on the Contact a Family website
Policy Position
Screening for congenital cataract, other media opacities and anatomical abnormalities are part of the physical examination of newborn babies and again at 6-8 weeks.
A Programme Centre has been set up in England and all aspects of the examination are being reviewed.
This policy was reviewed in Jul 2006 but no significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2014/15, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.
Screening in the UK
Compare how screening is offered across the UK.
Evidence Supporting the Policy
Child Health Sub-Group Report review against the UK NSC criteria of congenital cataract screening - updated May 2005 (see below).
Stakeholders
Royal College of Midwives
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.
