Congenital rubella cataract

Despite the development of several rubella vaccines prenatal rubella infection continues to be an important cause of congenital defects involving many organ systems. Similarly, all parts of the eye have been reportedly involved in the so-called rubella syndrome. Congenital cataract is the most common severe ocular manifestation of rubella acquired in utero. In addition to elaborating a preferred surgical technique and rationale, such important and controversial subjects as when to operate and post-operative amblyopia are discussed. Of the first 164 rubella cataract patients the author has examined, sixty-four (39%) had unilateral cataracts. It will be shown how medical management of the patient with unilateral rubella cataract must differ from management of the patient with bilateral cataracts.