title: Pediatric cataract and lens implantation.
abstract: Cataracts in children present a greater management challenge, compared with cataracts in adults, because of the wider variety of causes and the vulnerability of the developing visual system. The fundamental principles--early diagnosis and treatment for visually significant cataracts--have not changed. Amblyopia remains a major problem in children with unilateral and asymmetrical cataracts. The use of vitrectomy instrumentation in the removal of infantile cataracts has become relatively standard; however, the tendency now is to leave a rim of posterior capsule sufficient to allow secondary placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens at a later date. Intraocular lens implantation is being aggressively pursued in children and, with modern microsurgical techniques, may be desirable in children as young as 2 years of age or younger in special circumstances. Contact lenses continue to be ideal for the infant and growing child to provide flexibility as the refraction changes.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000550:Amblyopia / Q000209:etiology; D001036:Aphakia, Postcataract / Q000628:therapy; D002386:Cataract / Q000151:congenital / Q000209:etiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003261:Contact Lenses; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation