Intraocular lens implantation in children and youth.

Abstract

To evaluate the safety and the effectiveness posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) in children and youth with cataract. Retrospective study of operative and postoperative results was based on 146 eyes in 125 children ages 6 to 18 years (mean: 11.7 years) who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction with IOL implantation in the period from 1986 to 1996. Follow up was 1 to 10 years. Best corrected distance and near visual acuity, operative complications, and early and late postoperative complications. Exclusion criteria were uveitis, retinal detachment, prior glaucoma, and systemic diseases. Early postoperative complications were observed in 12.3% of cases including iritis in 7.5%, and transient corneal edema in 3.4% of eyes. Posterior capsule opacification requiring capsulotomy was needed in 81.5% of eyes after 8.5 years. YAG laser capsulotomy was performed in 68.1% and surgical intervention in 26.8% of cases. In 5.1% of the cases, both techniques were used. In 74.7% of patients, best corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was achieved. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was +0.35 diopters (D, SD 1.35). Spectacle-corrected near visual acuity of 0.5 on the Snellen chart was obtained in 82.8% of eyes. IOL implantation in children older than 6 years appears to be an efficacious, satisfactory, and safe procedure in the management of pediatric cataract.