[Calculating and development of refraction in theoretical intraocular lens implantation in early childhood].
BACKGROUND
For various reasons the implantation of an intraocular lens in very young children remains a controversial matter. Although an intraocular lens might solve the problems of aniseiconia and amblyopia better then other forms of correction, the growth of the eyeball remains a major problem for constant refraction.


METHODS
Therefore we theoretically analysed the biometric data from small children with regard to the development of refraction in 29 children (40 eyes).


RESULTS
These theoretic calculations demonstrate that with an aimed refraction of -2.0 diopters at the time of cataract-operation, refraction at an age of 10 years varies from -2.75 diopters to -32.0 diopters (mean -11.75 diopters). The calculated aniseiconia at the age of 10 varies between 1 and 76% (mean 11%). In analysing these biometric data according to the age of the children at the time of surgery it is evident, that refraction at an age of 10 years would be more within a normal range if the age at the time of operation was certainly above 12 month of age.


CONCLUSIONS
According to this theoretical analysis implantation of an intraocular lens appears not to be meaningful at an age of less than 12 months at the time of operation. If lens implantation in older children is considered the further growth of the eyeball should be taken into account when calculating the power of an intraocular lens.
Kampik
A
A
Augenklinik, Universität Würzburg.
Schinzel
M
M
Haigis
W
W
D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D012029:Refraction, Ocular
Brechkraftberechnung und Refraktionsentwicklung bei theoretischer Intraokular-Linsenimplantation im Kleinstkindesalter.