aetiology of congenital cataract

Last reviewed 01/2018

Congenital cataract can be hereditary or secondary to a harmful intrauterine event (1).

Causes include:

  • intrauterine infections, particularly rubella and varicella
  • hypocalcaemia
  • Down's syndrome
  • Lowe's syndrome
  • myotonic dystrophy
  • Hurler's syndrome
  • Alport's syndrome
  • Refsum's disease

Reference: