ABSTRACT
Evaluation of the value of Acrylic IOLs in minimizing the rate of posterior capsule opacification [PCO] in pediatric age group in comparison to PMMA IOLs. This study included 37eyes of 29 patients with congenital, developmental or traumatic cataract, with a mean age 6.54 +/- 1.90 years, and 68.97% of them were males. The mean of the follow up period was 17.72 +/- 4.32 months. Patients with any associated ocular or systemic disease were excluded from the study. The study group was divided into 2 subgroups; the first group was implanted with Acrylic IOL [21 eyes,.] while the second group was implanted with PMMA IOL [18 eyes]. Statistical analysis of the BCVA, rate of development of PCO and the onset of its development were done. In both groups, there was statistically significant improvement of the visual acuity postoperatively; but the BCVA was significantly better in the first group than in the second group. The rate of development of PCO dense enough to affect the visual acuity was significantly lower in the group of patient implanted with Acrylic IOLs [28.57%] compared to the group implanted with PMMA lenses [4 7.62%]. At the same time, the onset of development of PCO was significantly earlier in the PMMA lenses than in the Acrylic IOLs [5.14 +/- 2.91 months and 8.40 +/- 4.40 months respectively,]. Pediatric patients implanted with Acrylic IOLs have less incidence of clinically significant PCO than patients implanted with PMMA IOLS. Also, the posterior capsule remains clearer for a longer- period of time with the Acrylic lenses. However the long terms effects of Acrylic IOLs in children whose life expectancy is much more are yet to he assessed