Results of bilateral cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in children.
OBJECTIVE
A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate long-term anatomic and visual outcomes in eyes of children who underwent bilateral intraocular lens implantation.


METHODS
The study design was a review of medical records of 24 children operated on for bilateral cataracts and posterior chamber-intraocular lenses.


METHODS
Twenty-four children operated on for bilateral cataracts by 1 surgeon between February 1980 and February 1995 were studied.


METHODS
Cataract extraction with bilateral posterior chamber-intraocular lens implantation was performed.


METHODS
Best-corrected visual acuity, visual acuity without correction, intraocular pressure, manifest refraction, and any intraoperative or postoperative complications were measured.


RESULTS
At last follow-up (mean follow-up, 50.8 months; range, 10-149 months), the intraocular lens was in good position and the intraocular pressure was normal without medication in all eyes. Four years after surgery, 79.2% (19 of 24) of first eyes achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared to 66.7% (16 of 24) of second eyes. No eye had any loss in best-corrected visual acuity. In first eyes of 3- to 8-year olds at the time of surgery, 73.3% (11 of 15) achieved a spherical equivalent within 2 diopters of the intended at 4 years after surgery compared to 80% of second eyes. In the 9- to 18-year-old group, 88.9% (8 of 9) of first eyes and 100% of second eyes achieved a spherical equivalent within 2 diopters of the intended at 4 years after surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term anatomic and visual results have been gratifying in this series of patients with bilateral implants.
Gimbel
H V
HV
Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Canada.
Basti
S
S
Ferensowicz
M
M
DeBroff
B M
BM
D000293:Adolescent; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*