visual outcomes and complications of intraocular lens implantation in children aged 1 year or less

ABSTRACT

To present the visual outcomes and complications of intraocular lens [IOL] implantation in children aged 1 year or less. A total of 30 consecutive eyes of 19 children undergoing cataract removal combined with IOL implantation at less than I year of age were evaluated. SRK-T formula was used to calculate the IOL power and emmetropic power was under corrected by 20%. After aspiration of the lens matter and posterior capsule polishing, acrylic hydrophilic foldable or PMMA rigid IOL was implanted by a paediatric Ophthalmologist. Visual acuity, refractive status and postoperative complications were recorded throughout the 12 months of follow up. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0, Out of 19 children, 8 [42.1%] had unilateral cataract [8 eyes], and 11 [57.9%] had bilateral cataracts [22 eyes]. Mean age at the time of surgery was 8.7 [ +/- 2.5] months. Foldable IOL implantation in capsular bag was achieved in 17 [56.7%] eyes while sulcus fixation of IOL was done in 13 [43.3%] eyes. Mean post-operative refraction was +5.97 [ +/- 2.60] DS. Postoperative fibrinous reaction was seen in 4 [13.3%] eyes, visually significant PC0 requiring surgical posterior capsulotomy developed in 2 [6.66%] eyes while 24 eyes [80%] retained a clear visual axis during the follow up period. Lens matter aspiration combined with IOL implantation in children less than 1year of age resulted in better visual outcomes with acceptable risk to benefit ratio. 101, power calculations and refractive outcomes were predicted satisfactorily using SRK-T formula with 20% under correction