A congenital cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye that is present at birth. The lens of the eye is normally a clear structure, which focuses light received by the eye onto the retina.

The number of people born with cataracts is low. In most patients, no specific cause can be found. Possible causes of congenital cataracts include the following:

• Galactosemia
• Chondrodysplasia syndrome
• Congenital rubella syndrome
• Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
• Pierre-Robin syndrome
• Familial congenital cataracts
• Hallerman-Streiff syndrome
• Lowe syndrome
• Trisomy 13
• Conradi syndrome
• Ectodermal dysplasia syndrome
• Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome

• Cloudiness of the lens, often obvious at birth without special viewing equipment, and appearing as a whitish discoloration in an otherwise normally dark pupil
• Failure of an infant to show visual awareness of the world around him or her (if cataracts present in both eyes)
• Nystagmus (unusual rapid eye movements)

A complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist will readily diagnose congenital cataract. The search for a possible cause may require examination by a pediatrician experienced in hereditary disorders and possible blood tests or x-rays.