title: Epilenticular lens implantation versus extracapsular cataract extraction and lens implantation in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the results of epilenticular posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and pars plana lensectomy with those of extracapsular lens aspiration and posterior chamber IOL implantation in eyes with pediatric cataracts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty eyes with childhood cataract of varied etiology were divided into two groups of 20 eyes each, matched by age, sex, and type of cataract. Group A had epilenticular IOL implantation with pars plana lensectomy. Group B had extracapsular lens aspiration with posterior chamber IOL implantation. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 20 eyes in Group A maintained a clear pupillary axis from the immediate postoperative period to the last follow-up. In Group B, 80% of eyes developed varying degrees of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which hampered vision. In Group A, 95% of eyes had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better; only 45% of eyes in Group B achieved a visual acuity of 6/60 or better.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although patients in both groups had good visual recovery, those having epilenticular IOL implantation with pars plana lensectomy maintained a clear pupillary axis and did not develop PCO, preventing the need for secondary intervention.
authors.affiliation: Guru Nanak Eye Centre, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ghosh
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Taneja
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mazumdar
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity