ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We explored elevated central corneal thickness (CCT) in children with cataracts as possibly reflecting preexisting corneal malformation related to specific cataract morphology. METHODS: All children consecutively seen during the study periods who had cataracts and corneal pachymetry as part of their routine care were enrolled at academic centers in large cities of Canada and the United States. Study data collected included age, sex, CCT, and cataract morphology. Differences among cataract morphology groups with respect to mean CCT measurements were evaluated and compared with a historical control thickness of 558 µm. RESULTS: A total of 96 children were enrolled in this study. The average subject age was 5.1 years, and 55 children (57%) were female. The mean CCT value for all subjects was 566.1 µm. There was little evidence to conclude that the cataract morphology groups differed from each other (P = 0.65) or from controls with respect to CCT. CONCLUSIONS: In children, CCT is likely independent of cataract morphology. This implies that factors other than preoperative malformation are more likely related to elevated CCT observed in children with aphakia and pseudophakia.
Subject(s)
Cataract/congenital , Cornea/pathology , Adolescent , Case-Control Studies , Cataract Extraction , Child , Child, Preschool , Corneal Pachymetry , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Organ Size , Prospective Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of a mobile ophthalmic unit in the schoolyard to improve the follow-up rate for children who have failed an optometric in-school screening program. Previously, the optometric program made referrals to the center and only 53% of students attended the desired ophthalmology consultation. METHODS: This was a cohort study of students conducted in elementary school lots in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. The mobile ophthalmic unit visited schools where students with parental consent who needed examination had been identified by an in-school optometric vision care program. RESULTS: A total of 132 students were referred by the optometric program, of whom 95 (72%) had complete signed consent forms. Eighty-two patients (62%, confidence interval: 54% to 70%) were successfully seen by the mobile unit. Compared to the historical rate of successful completion of ophthalmology consultation (53%), a statistically significant improvement in follow-up was noted (P = .036). On a Likert scale of 1 to 5, the mean school nurse satisfaction rating was 4.8. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate the potential impact of mobile eye clinics at schools in connecting children with ophthalmic care. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(6):344-348.].
