Changes in astigmatism after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the post-operative changes in astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes in children.


METHODS
The charts of children who had undergone surgery for non-traumatic cataract were retrospectively reviewed. In 10 eyes with astigmatism of 3.0 D or more, the refraction was tested and recorded at 1 week, 3 months and 5 months post-operatively.


RESULTS
Mean astigmatism 1 week post-operatively was 6.2 +/- 2.7 D (range 3.0-11.0 D). Thereafter, the astigmatic component of the refractive error underwent a spontaneous steady decline, reaching a mean value of 1.2 +/- 1.1 D (range 0-3.0 D) 5 months after surgery. The change in the difference between the mean values at 1 week and at 5 months was statistically significant (p = 0.0002).


CONCLUSIONS
Children who underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation showed a significant spontaneous reduction in astigmatism post-operatively. This finding suggests that there is no need to remove sutures in order to achieve reduction of post-operative astigmatism in these children.
Spierer
A
A
Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
Shelah
M
M
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology*; D002386:Cataract / Q000151:congenital*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013537:Sutures