Complications of Implant Surgery in Children

Abstract

Rapid recognition and appropriate therapy will prevent or remediate most of the complications occurring in children after cataract aspiration and IOL implantation. Some of the complications of pediatric IOL implantations are related to the increased scleral pliability and decreased rigidity which predispose scleral collapse, vitreous loss, flat anterior chamber and corneal endothelial damage. A second group of complications is associated with the enhanced inflammatory and fibrotic responses peculiar to a child's eye. This group includes operative striate keratitis and iridocyclitis, late IOL precipitates, secondary and postpseudophakos membranes, iris erosion and synechiae formation, and IOL tilt and displacement. Although the intraocular lens is a possible means of visual rehabilitation for children with traumatic cataracts or unilateral infantile cataracts, its long-term risk/benefit ratio must still stand the test of time.