A Case of Infantile Cataract and Neonatal Hypoglycemia

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of lamellar cataract in a child with a history of neonatal hypoglycemia and illustrate the importance of meticulous history-taking in children with cataracts, especially before planning surgery. Methods: A single case report. Results: A 7-year-old girl with a history of neonatal hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis with high suspicion of a primary defect in ketone body utilization who presented with bilateral progressive blurred vision. Her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 in her right eye (OD) and 20/400 in her left eye (OS). Slit-lamp examination showed the presence of bilateral dense lamellar cataract. Fundus examination was unremarkable in both eyes (OU). She underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation under general anesthesia without prolonged fasting. Final BCVA was 20/82 in OD and 20/63 in OS. Conclusion: Our aim through this case is to emphasize the importance to screen for episodes of hypoglycemic attacks in children with infantile cataracts.