Visual outcome and complications in Ab-externo scleral fixation IOL in aphakia in pediatric age group

ABSTRACT

To assess the visual outcome and complications in patients after Ab-externo scleral fixation of intraocular lens in pediatric age group [15 years or less]. This quasi experimental study was conducted at Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, from January 2012 to December 2012. All cases included were worked up according to the protocol. All patients underwent Ab-externo scleral fixation of IOL under general anesthesia. Patients were followed up at 1stday, 1[st] week, 1[st] month, 2[nd] month and 3[rd] month. Complete eye examination including best-corrected visual acuity and complications were noted on each visit. Thirty patients were included in the study, with mean age of 8.6 years [ +/- 3.93569]. Most of the patients, 20 [66.7%], had visual acuities of 6/18 or better. No complication was seen in 18 [60%] of the patients intra operatively while soft eye was observed in 7 [23.3%] of the patients. Another complication noted was vitreous hemorrhage, which was seen in 5 [16.7%] patients. Most common post-operative complication was Uveitis followed by astigmatism. Lens dislocation and iris abnormalities were seen in only one patient. Most of the patients showed significant visual improvement after surgery. Ab-externo scleral fixation of an IOL was found to be safe and showed favorable postoperative results with fewer complications