Use of intraocular lenses in children with traumatic cataract in south India.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the long term results of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for traumatic cataract in young children in a developing country.


METHODS
Prospective hospital based study of 52 children (age 2-10 years) undergoing unilateral cataract extraction and IOL insertion for traumatic cataract performed by a single surgeon in south India. Children were reviewed regularly and followed up initially for 3 years.


RESULTS
There were no serious operative complications. Clinically significant posterior capsule opacification was almost universal (92%) and YAG capsulotomy or membranectomy was performed on 48 eyes. Some degree of pupil capture affected 35% of eyes and was complete in 6%. Visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 67% of eyes at the last follow up examination.


CONCLUSIONS
The visual acuity results 3 years after implantation of posterior chamber IOLs in older children with traumatic cataracts in south India were encouraging. In developing countries where follow up is unreliable it is essential to plan to clear the axial part of the posterior capsule either at the time of surgery or soon afterwards.
Eckstein
M
M
Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Vijayalakshmi
P
P
Killedar
M
M
Gilbert
C
C
Foster
A
A
D017677:Age Distribution; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity