EARLY INTERVENTION IN CONGENITAL CATARACT: A CASE REPORT ON TIMELY DIAGNOSIS AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT.

Congenital cataract is a rare but signicant cause of childhood blindness, with a prevalence of 0.6–9.3 per 10,000 live births. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible deprivation amblyopia and permanent visual impairment. A 7-week-old female infant presented with bilateral white reex since birth, accompanied by poor auditory response. Ocular examination revealed dense lens opacities and white pupillary reexes. A TORCH panel at birth was positive for Rubella IgG, CMV IgG, and HSV 1 & 2, with a maternal history of fever in the rst trimester. The child underwent bilateral lens aspiration, posterior curvilinear capsulorrhexis, and anterior vitrectomy under general anesthesia. Postoperatively, she was prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops, followed by spectacle correction. Early surgical intervention in congenital cataracts is crucial for optimal visual development. Multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to identify underlying infections or syndromes, ensuring comprehensive management. Long-term follow-up is necessary to optimize visual outcomes and prevent amblyopia.