Visual Results Following Surgery for Unilateral Congenital Cataract at a Tertiary Public Hospital in Maharashtra

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the visual outcomes of unilateral congenital cataract surgery in children.  Methods: A total of 204 eyes from 204 children, aged 2 to 12 months, undergoing unilateral congenital cataract surgery between December 2022 and March 2024, were included. The study analyzed data from a three-year follow-up and used chi-square tests to assess the relationship between visual outcomes and the age at surgery, considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant.  Results: Of 204 eyes, 64 (31.4%) underwent surgery at 2-3 months and 140 (68.6%) at 3-12 months. Visual acuity was measured postoperatively, revealing significantly poorer outcomes in children aged 3 months or older (P < 0.001) compared to those aged 2-3 months.  Conclusions: It is essential to detect and treat congenital cataracts early, followed by long-term postoperative rehabilitation, to improve visual outcomes in affected children, particularly in cases of unilateral cataract, which are more prone to developing amblyopia.