Developmental Cataract Research Articles

Floral pattern in developmental cataract

Floral pattern in developmental cataract

Postural control depends on early visual experience.

The present study investigated the role of early visual experience in the development of postural control (balance) and locomotion (gait). In a cross-sectional design, balance and gait were assessed in 59 participants (ages 7-43 years) with a history of (a) transient congenital blindness, (b) transient late-onset blindness, (c) permanent congenitally blindness, or (d) permanent late-onset blindness, as well as in normally sighted controls. Cataract-reversal participants who experienced a transient phase of blindness and gained sight through cataract removal surgery showed worse balance performance compared with sighted controls even when tested with eyes closed. Individuals with reversed congenital cataracts performed worse than individuals with reversed developmental (late emerging) cataracts. Balance performance in congenitally cataract-reversal participants when tested with eyes closed was not significantly different from that in permanently blind participants. In contrast, their gait parameters did not differ significantly from those of sighted controls. The present findings highlight both the need for visual calibration of proprioceptive and vestibular systems and the crossmodal adaptability of locomotor functions.

Multiorgan manifestations of COL4A1 and COL4A2 variants and proposal for a clinical management protocol.

COL4A1/2 variants are associated with highly variable multiorgan manifestations. Depicting the whole clinical spectrum of COL4A1/2-related manifestations is challenging, and there is no consensus on management and preventative strategies. Based on a systematic review of current evidence on COL4A1/2-related disease, we developed a clinical questionnaire that we administered to 43 individuals from 23 distinct families carrying pathogenic variants. In this cohort, we extended ophthalmological and cardiological examinations to asymptomatic individuals and those with only limited or mild, often nonspecific, clinical signs commonly occurring in the general population (i.e., oligosymptomatic). The most frequent clinical findings emerging from both the literature review and the questionnaire included stroke (203/685, 29.6%), seizures or epilepsy (199/685, 29.0%), intellectual disability or developmental delay (168/685, 24.5%), porencephaly/schizencephaly (168/685, 24.5%), motor impairment (162/685, 23.6%), cataract (124/685, 18.1%), hematuria (63/685, 9.2%), and retinal arterial tortuosity (58/685, 8.5%). In oligosymptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, ophthalmological investigations detected retinal vascular tortuosity (5/13, 38.5%), dysgenesis of the anterior segment (4/13, 30.8%), and cataract (2/13, 15.4%), while cardiological investigations were unremarkable except for mild ascending aortic ectasia in 1/8 (12.5%). Our multimodal approach confirms highly variable penetrance and expressivity in COL4A1/2-related conditions, even at the intrafamilial level with neurological involvement being the most frequent and severe finding in both children and adults. We propose a protocol for prevention and management based on individualized risk estimation and periodic multiorgan evaluations.

Bilateral developmental cataracts in a child with familial lipodystrophy

Bilateral developmental cataracts are usually caused due to hereditary metabolic disorder or intrauterine infections. Familial lipodystrophy type 7 has variable phenotypes with early-onset cataracts and lower limb spasticity, with most reports showing the onset of cataracts in the second decade of life. We report a rare case of bilateral congenital cataract in a child aged 3 years and 9 months with genetically proven familial partial lipodystrophy type 7. Bilateral developmental cataracts need complete physical examination and genetic analysis to detect unusual and rare causes like familial partial lipodystrophy.

Metabolomic profiling of the aqueous humor in patients with pediatric cataract

Pediatric cataract, including congenital and developmental cataract, is a kind of pediatric vision-threatening disease with extensive phenotypic heterogeneity and multiple mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the metabolite profile of aqueous humor (AH) in patients with pediatric cataracts, and identify underlying mutual correlations between differential metabolites. Metabolomic profiles of AH were analyzed and compared between pediatric cataract patients (n = 33) and age-related cataract patients without metabolic diseases (n = 29), using global untargeted metabolomics with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis and heat map were applied. Enriched pathway analysis was conducted using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to select potential biomarkers. A total of 318 metabolites were identified, of which 54 differential metabolites (25 upregulated and 29 downregulated) were detected in pediatric cataract group compared with controls (variable importance of projection >1.0, fold change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.667 and P < 0.05). A significant accumulation of N-Acetyl-Dl-glutamic acid was observed in pediatric cataract group. The differential metabolites were mainly enriched in histidine metabolism (increased L-Histidine and decreased 1-Methylhistamine) and the tryptophan metabolism (increased N-Formylkynurenine and L-Kynurenine). 5-Aminosalicylic acid showed strong positive mutual inter-correlation with L-Tyrosinemethylester and N,N-Diethylethanolamine, both of which were down-regulated in pediatric cataract group. The ROC analysis implied 11 metabolites served as potential biomarkers for pediatric cataract patients (all area under the ROC curve ≥0.900). These results illustrated novel potential metabolites and metabolic pathways in pediatric cataract, which provides new insights into the pathophysiology of pediatric cataract.

Visual axis opacification after pediatric cataract surgery - An analysis of morphology and etiology.

To investigate the morphological types and delineate the clinical and surgical variables associated with VAO in children undergoing pediatric cataract surgery. We included 33 eyes of 28 children who developed clinically significant visual axis opacification (VAO) after congenital or developmental cataract surgery. All eyes underwent a comprehensive examination under anesthesia followed by a membranectomy to clear the visual axis. We classified VAO into three subgroups: fibrotic, proliferative, and combined morphologies. We reviewed and analyzed the retrospective data and the findings during membranectomy to identify the etiological variables associated with various morphologies of VAO. The median age at primary surgery was 7 (2-96) months. The median interval from primary surgery to the first documentation of VAO was 6 (1-22) months. Younger children developed VAO sooner than older children. VAO was fibrotic in 11 eyes (33%), proliferative in 18 eyes (54.5%), and combined in four eyes (12.12%). Most children with fibrotic VAO belonged to economically disadvantaged sections of society ( P = 0.04). Lower age at primary surgery was the predominant risk factor for the development of VAO. Besides primary posterior capsulotomy and adequate anterior vitrectomy, a strict adherence to anti- inflammatory measures and follow up in necessary to prevent the occurrence of VAO. A close follow-up facilitates early detection and management, which can prevent the onset of visually impairing amblyopia.

CHALLENGES IN THE SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF BILATERAL POSTERIOR LENTIGLOBUS

Introduction : Lentiglobus is a lens deformation characterized by spherical bulging of the lens surface. The weakness of the posterior capsule in the lentiglobus makes the surgery challenging. We present a case of bilateral posterior lentiglobus and its management.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 5-year-old boy was presented with the chief complaint of gradually blurred vision since 1 year ago. Visual acuity were 0.1 and closed face finger counting in the right and left eyes, respectively. An ophthalmology examination revealed lens opacities with partially reabsorbed lens material and protrusion of the lens surface posteriorly in both eyes (figure 1). The patient was diagnosed with developmental cataracts of the membranous type and posterior lentiglobus in both eyes. The patient underwent a surgical intervention for cataract extraction with aspiration technique. A spontaneous posterior capsule rupture was found with a shape like a lentiglobus. An anterior vitrectomy was performed. An intraocular lens was implanted. At one month after surgery, the best corrected visual acuities were 0.5 in both eyes (figure 2).&#x0D; Discussion : Several difficulties can be encountered during pediatric cataract surgery with the posterior lentiglobus morphology because of the thin or ruptured capsule. Previous studies have found preoperative and intraoperative posterior capsule rupture in 25% and 3.13% of lentiglobus cases, respectively. Hydrodissection should be avoided due to the weakness of the posterior capsule.&#x0D; ConclusionAppropriate surgical techniques to anticipate posterior capsule defects in the lentiglobus are required to produce a favorable outcome.

Canine cataracts

The intraocular lens is uniquely designed to aid focused vision, and diseases of the lens such as cataracts are a common cause of blindness in dogs. The causes of cataracts are discussed including the main aetiologies such as hereditary cataract, senile and diabetic cataracts. The article focuses on dogs, as cataracts are less common in cats, although traumatic cataracts and rarely, inherited, congenital and developmental cataracts do occur in felines. The article discusses ways to examine and classify a cataract; the best way to diagnose an early cataract is examination with a veterinary ophthalmologist. Early detection is important, as it is not advised to breed from dogs affected with hereditary cataracts. Surgical extraction is currently the only method to remove a cataract and restore vision, and the common complications of cataract surgery are also explored.

Post-Operative Refractive Changes After Cataract Surgery in Children Less Than 4 Years of Age

Aim: To observe the changes in refraction after Cataract surgery in children less than 4 years of age using Dahans formula. Methods: The retrospective evaluation of the records of children with congenital and developmental cataracts who underwent cataract operations with intraocular lens implantation was conducted. The patients’ ages ranged from 6 months to 4 years. All the sutures of cornea were removed after 1 month of surgery. IOL power was calculated using Dahan’s formula based on axial length. Refraction was performed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: About 40 eyes of 20 children with bilateral congenital &amp; developmental cataract (11 males and 9 females) were included. The age range was 6 months to 4 years &amp; mean was 28.8±1.38 months. Significant myopic shift was observed in all the children and maximum myopic shift was observed in children below 2 (0-24 months) years of age. Conclusion: Significant myopic shift has been observed in children. So, under corrected IOL implantation is safe to achieve target refraction.

Ectopia Lentis with Retinal Detachment in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary connective tissue disease caused by mutations in the Fibrillin-1 gene located on chromosome 15q15-21. Fibrillin is a specific type of glycoprotein widely distributed throughout the body, contributing to the elasticity and load-bearing capacity of connective tissue. Marfan syndrome is a multisystem disorder that affects the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and the eyes. Patients with Marfan syndrome can experience life-threatening complications such as aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, and mitral valve prolapse. However, most patients initially present to an ophthalmologist with ocular symptoms, necessitating the ophthalmologist to diagnose and counsel the patient about the disease and its complications. A 23-year-old female patient presented to the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department (OPD) with complaints of diminished visual acuity in both eyes since birth. The patient exhibited cataractous changes in the lens with dislocation in the superotemporal quadrant in both eyes. Furthermore, the patient experienced rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in her left eye. The patient underwent scleral belt buckling and pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil insertion in the left eye, as well as cataract extraction with Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens (PCIOL) implantation in the right eye. Marfan syndrome can impact visual function in various ways. The present case report underscores the ocular manifestations of Marfan syndrome and the management of patients with developmental cataracts, subluxation, and retinal detachment due to high myopia.

Long-Term Visual Outcome of Paediatric Cataract Surgery at Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital, Kitwe, Zambia

Aims: To determine the long-term visual outcome of paediatric cataract surgery performed at Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital, Zambia.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Study population included all children aged between five and fifteen operated on. Participants underwent visual acuity and refraction re-assessment two years post-Operatively. Continuous variables were summarized using the median and interquartile ranges. Stuart-Maxwell test for paired data and Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis.&#x0D; Results: A total of 117 children participated in the study. About 29% of the children had complications after cataract surgery, and anterior segment complications were the most common experienced complications 18 (15.4%) after surgery. Only one (0.9%) child had visual acuity of (6/18 and better) before surgery while 24 (24.4%) had good visual acuity outcome six weeks after surgery, and at two years after surgery, 41(41.8%) had attained good visual outcome. The visual acuity outcome at six weeks after surgery significantly differed from the visual acuity outcome after two years with the proportion of good visual outcome increasing after two years. Pre-operatively, posterior segment accessibility (AOR 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.69), developmental cataracts (AOR 3.09; 95% CI: 1.17 – 8.14) and refraction done at six weeks, were all associated with good visual outcome at two years after surgery. Poor outcomes were associated with delayed refraction, done after six weeks (AOR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08 – 0.58), increased number of anterior segment complications (AOR 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03 – 0.72) and posterior segment complications (AOR 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.83).&#x0D; Conclusion: Children's vision significantly improved with time after cataract surgery. Long-term visual outcome follow-up post-surgery is important as it increases the proportion of children attaining good visual outcome after surgery and helps correct uncorrected refractive errors hence optimizing the best visual acuity a child can attain.

Comparison of visual outcomes in adult patients with different types of developmental cataracts after toric multifocal intraocular lenses implantation

Purpose To analyze and compare the visual performance and patient satisfaction following the implantation of toric multifocal intraocular lenses (TMIOLs) in adult patients with different types of developmental cataracts (DC) accompanied by corneal astigmatism (CA).Methods This is a prospective observational cohort study. Patients diagnosed with DC aged 18–30 years were divided into three groups according to the anatomic location of the lens opacity: cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) groups, and implanted with TMIOLs. Visual acuity (VA), postoperative refractive astigmatism (RA), intraocular lens (IOL) rotation, high-order aberrations (HOAs), modulation transfer function (MTF) curve, and Strehl ratio were compared. The functional vision and incidence of photic phenomena were surveyed using questionnaires.Results Fifty-five eyes of 37 patients were enrolled and completed a 1-year follow-up. The mean CA was 2.06 ± 0.79 D preoperatively, and the mean RA was 0.29 ± 0.30 D 3-month postoperatively. The IOL rotation was 2.48° ± 1.89°, with no deviation > 10°. At 12 months, mean uncorrected distance VA improved from 0.93 ± 0.41 preoperatively to 0.08 ± 0.08 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), mean uncorrected near VA increased from 0.45 ± 0.30 preoperatively to 0.12 ± 0.11 logMAR, and mean uncorrected intermediate VA was 0.14 ± 0.08 logMAR. The cortical and nuclear groups displayed better improvements in uncorrected near and intermediate VA than that in the PSC group. Similar results were observed in the 3-month defocus curves, HOAs, MTF curve, halo incidence, and near vision satisfaction.ConclusionIn adult patients with DC accompanied by CA, TMIOLs implantation achieved good postoperative visual outcomes and significantly reduced glasses dependency. Patients with cortical or nuclear lens opacity showed better whole-course VA and quality of vision, while patients with PSC opacity showed unsatisfactory near vision and suffered more photic phenomena.

Nance-Horan Syndrome: characterization of dental, clinical and molecular features in three new families

BackgroundNance–Horan syndrome (NHS; MIM 302,350) is an extremely rare X-linked dominant disease characterized by ocular and dental anomalies, intellectual disability, and facial dysmorphic features.Case presentationWe report on five affected males and three carrier females from three unrelated NHS families. In Family 1, index (P1) showing bilateral cataracts, iris heterochromia, microcornea, mild intellectual disability, and dental findings including Hutchinson incisors, supernumerary teeth, bud-shaped molars received clinical diagnosis of NHS and targeted NHS gene sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic variant, c.2416 C > T; p.(Gln806*). In Family 2, index (P2) presenting with global developmental delay, microphthalmia, cataracts, and ventricular septal defect underwent SNP array testing and a novel deletion encompassing 22 genes including the NHS gene was detected. In Family 3, two half-brothers (P3 and P4) and maternal uncle (P5) had congenital cataracts and mild to moderate intellectual deficiency. P3 also had autistic and psychobehavioral features. Dental findings included notched incisors, bud-shaped permanent molars, and supernumerary molars. Duo-WES analysis on half-brothers showed a hemizygous novel deletion, c.1867delC; p.(Gln623ArgfsTer26).ConclusionsDental professionals can be the first-line specialists involved in the diagnosis of NHS due to its distinct dental findings. Our findings broaden the spectrum of genetic etiopathogenesis associated with NHS and aim to raise awareness among dental professionals.

30G needle aspiration - A modified technique of capsulorhexis in pediatric cataract with high intra-lenticular pressure.

This surgical technique describes a modification of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) to achieve an adequate-sized capsulorhexis in pediatric cataracts with high intralenticular pressure. Performing CCC in pediatric cataracts is challenging, especially when the intralenticular pressure is high. This technique involves 30 G needle decompression of the lens to reduce positive intralenticular pressure and subsequent flattening of the anterior capsule. This minimizes the chances of extension of CCC without using any special equipment. This technique was used in two eyes of two patients (age 8 and 10 years) with unilateral developmental cataracts. Both surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (PKM). In both eyes, a well-centered CCC was achieved with no extension, and a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was placed in the capsular bag. Thus, our technique of 30 G needle aspiration could be extremely useful to achieve an adequately sized CCC in pediatric cataracts with high intralenticular pressure, especially for beginner surgeons.

Long-term effects of early/late-onset visual deprivation on macular and retinal nerve fibers layer structure: A pilot study.

Tomographic analysis of macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fibers layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with history of congenital (CC) and developmental cataract (DC). Analysis of macular and RNFL thickness using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was performed. Retinal layers thickness was measured using the internal segmentation software. Measurements of affected (unilateral and bilateral), contralateral eyes and control eyes were compared. Patients with history of CC or DC (n = 13 and 11 respectively) and 35 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Thicker inner and outer nuclear layers (INL, ONL) and thicker ONL were found when CC and DC group when compared to controls respectively. Bilateral CC showed the most relevant differences. Slight thickening of CC inner retinal layers were found when compared to DC. Increased superonasal RNFL thickness was found in CC group when compared to DC and controls. Thickening of RNFL of contralateral unaffected eyes of unilateral CC were found when compared to controls. Significant macular and RNFL thickness changes between CC, DC patients and controls that partially involve also contralateral unaffected eyes of unilateral congenital cataract were found. CC and DC groups show significant differences only in inner retinal layers thickness. Our data suggest that early visual deprivation may influence retinal arrangements occurring during development involving predominantly the outer nuclear layer and para/perifoveal inner retinal layers, and confirm that early treatment of CC allow to achieve better long-term visual outcome. Moreover functional and structural data support the hypothesis that unilateral amblyopia is not exclusively an unilateral issue.

Comparison of Frequency of Pseudo-Exfoliation Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery in Different Regional Hospitals of Pakistan

Objective: To compare the frequency of Pseudo-Exfoliation Syndrome (PXS) in patients undergoing cataract surgery in different regional hospitals in Pakistan.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Three Tertiary Care Hospitals of Karachi, Rawalakot and Skardu Pakistan, from Sep 2017 to May 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Patients aged 45 years and more undergoing age-related cataract surgery were evaluated for Pseudo-Exfoliation Syndrome. Initially, each patient underwent a complete outpatient ophthalmological workup. Demographic details like age and gender were noted. All the patients were screened for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In addition, patients were screened for pseudo-exfoliation syndrome. Congenital, developmental, secondary and traumatic cataracts were excluded.&#x0D; Results: A total of 1882 patients were included in the study. Pseudo-exfoliation was carried out in 249(13.23%) patients. In Hospital-A, 23(3.23%); in Hospital-B, 145(14.92%) and Hospital-C, 81(40.70%) of the patients had pseudo-exfoliation. The frequency of pseudo-exfoliation syndrome was significantly more in Hospital-C and then in Hospital-B and least in HospitalA (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Pseudo-exfoliation syndrome was significantly more common in Skardu and then in Rawalakot and least in Malir, which in the same order have more latitude away from the equator, have less average annual temperature and are situated at higher altitudes.

Posterior Capsulotomy Size Affects the Formation of Significant Visual Axis Opacification in Congenital and Developmental Cataract.

To assess the relationship between posterior capsulotomy size and significant visual axis opacification (VAO) in congenital and developmental cataract. The charts of children aged 7 years and younger who underwent cataract surgery including primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) and limited anterior vitrectomy between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes with PPC size smaller than the anterior capsulotomy size were considered as group 1. Eyes with PPC size larger than the anterior capsulotomy size were considered as group 2. Clinical characteristics, the need for Nd:YAG laser treatment or further surgery for significant VAO, and other postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Sixty eyes of 41 children were included in the study. The median age at the time of surgery was 5.5 and 3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .076). Primary intraocular lens implantation was performed in 23 (85.2%) eyes in group 1 and 25 (75.8%) eyes in group 2 (P = .364). There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative visual acuity (P = .983) and refractive errors (P = .154). Eight (29.6%) pseudophakic eyes received Nd:YAG laser treatment in group 1, but none of the eyes in group 2 (P = .001). Four (14.8%) eyes in group 1 and 1 (3%) eye in group 2 underwent further surgery for VAO (P = .100). The need for further intervention for significant VAO was statistically higher in group 1 (44.4% vs 3%, P < .001). Larger PPC size in pediatric cataract may reduce the need for further intervention for significant VAO. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):441-447.].

The impact of pre-operative axial length on myopic shift 3 years after congenital and developmental cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

To investigate the impact of the pre-operative axial length (AL) on myopic shift (MS) 3 years after primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in congenital/developmental cataract patients. A retrospective study of patients who underwent congenital/developmental cataract surgery and primary IOL implantation at age 2-3 years at EENT Hospital was conducted. All patients were followed up regularly for at least 3 years after surgery. Refractive outcomes, including spherical equivalent (SE) and MS, were collected at each follow-up. Forty eyes from 40 patients were included. The mean age at surgery was 2.56 ± 0.57 years old, and the mean follow-up time was 3.05 ± 0.22 years. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included 20 patients with longer pre-operative ALs (≥22 mm), and Group 2 included 20 patients with average pre-operative ALs (<22 mm). By the last follow-up, the MS was 2.13 (0.38, 2.63) D in Group 1 and 3.88 (2.85, 5.72) D in Group 2. The post-operative MS in Group 2 was statistically greater than that in Group 1 at 3 years after surgery (P < 0.001). In congenital/developmental cataract patients who underwent cataract extraction and primary IOL implantation at age 2-3 years, eyes with longer pre-operative ALs had a slower MS than those with average pre-operative ALs 3 years after surgery. This finding could have implications for the target refraction decision in congenital/developmental cataract surgery.

Primary versus secondary intraocular lens implantation following removal of congenital/de al of congenital/developmental catar elopmental cataracts: outcomes after acts: outcomes after at least 4 years.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of primary and secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation following removal of congenital/developmental cataracts. One hundred and forty-four patients aged under 16 years who were followed up between 2003 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The long-term results of children who underwent surgery before 2 years of age for congenital or developmental cataracts and underwent secondary IOL implantation after 2 years of age and those who underwent cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation after 2 years of age were compared. Patients with traumatic, secondary cataracts and cataracts due to ocular anomalies were not included in the study. We evaluated 64 patients (mean age 9.5 ± 4.5 years) with secondary IOL implantation and 80 patients (mean age 12.8 ± 4.1 years) with primary IOL implantation in the study. Distance and near best-corrected visual acuities were significantly better in the primary IOL group than the secondary IOL group (p < 0.001). Incidence of strabismus after primary IOL surgery was significantly lower and presence of binocular vision was more often than the secondary IOL group (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of refraction and myopic shift (p = 0.242, p = 0.172, respectively). Mean refractive changes were significant in unilateral cases of secondary IOL group and primary IOL group (p = 0.013, p = 0.049, respectively) and myopic shift was also greater in both groups of unilateral cases than the fellow eyes (p = 0.023, p = 0.012, respectively). Visual outcomes and binocular vision were better, and the incidence of strabismus was also much less in the primary IOL group.

Evaluation of Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer in Children with Deprivational Amblyopia Who Underwent Unilateral Cataract Surgery.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness in deprivational amblyopic eyes (AE), fellow non-amblyopic eyes (FE) and normal eyes (NE) using spectral. domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty two children (64% boys) who underwent surgical removal of unilateral congenital or developmental cataracts and exhibited visual impairment despite postoperative visual rehabilitation were included in the study. Cataract surgery was performed in patients aged 55.82 ± 35.85 months (range 6 to 114 months). The mean age of the study group was 9.73 ± 2.85 years (range 5 to 15 years). The comparison group consisted of 22 healthy age- and gender-matched children. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgery was: 0.75 ± 0.27 (range 0.3 to 1.3) in AE, 0.1 ± 0.13 (range 0 to 0.5) in FE and 0.04 ± 0.07 (range 0 to 0.2) in NE. OCT scans were performed in all patients and subsequently corrected for axial length related magnification errors. Results: The average thickness of mGCIPL was 70.6 ± 11.28 μm in AE; 77.50 ± 6.72 μm in FE and 81.73 ± 5.18 μm in NE. We found that mGCIPL was statistically significantly thinner in deprivation AE compared to FE (p = 0.038) and NE (p = 0.0005). The minimum thickness of mGCIPL was respectively: 62.68 ± 13.2 μm, 70.3 ± 7.61 μm, and 74.5 ± 5.47, and also differed between AE and FE (p = 0.023) and AE and NE (p = 0.0004). Also, measurements in the inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal sectors showed thinning of mGCIPL in AE compared to NE. Conclusions: This analysis may suggest that deprivational amblyopia caused by unilateral congenital or developmental cataract in children may be associated with mGCIPL thinning.