A 5-week-old infant is found to have a dense unilateral congenital cataract with a red reflex that cannot be elicited. What is the recommended timing of surgery?

• A Within the first 6 weeks of life ✓
• B Between 3 and 4 months of life
• C At 1 year of age once the globe reaches adult size
• D Only after 2 years when amblyopia therapy becomes reliable

Explanation

Visual deprivation amblyopia from a dense unilateral congenital cataract develops rapidly and becomes largely irreversible, so surgery should be performed within the first 6 weeks of life. Bilateral dense cataracts allow slightly more latitude, with surgery typically planned before 8 to 10 weeks. Waiting until the globe matures or until cooperation improves sacrifices the critical period for visual development.

Reference: AAO BCSC Section 11: Lens and Cataract, latest ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.