Childhood cataract found to impact academic development

Childhood cataract has been shown to impact the academic development of affected children, particularly in the field of mathematics, according to a study.

A nationwide cohort study conducted in Denmark found that children with cataract, especially those who have undergone surgical intervention for bilateral cataract, tend to have lower participation rates in national tests and score significantly lower in mathematics compared to their peers without cataract. However, there was no significant difference in reading scores.

The study emphasizes the importance of early detection, appropriate medical treatments, and tailored educational support to ensure optimal academic outcomes for children with cataract.

Reference
Al-Bakri M, Skovgaard AM, Bach-Holm D, Larsen DA, Siersma V, Kessel L. School performances in children with cataract: results from a population-based cohort study. BMJ Open. 2023;13(8):e072984. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072984. PMID: 37532485; PMCID: PMC10401207.