Visual function after primary posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in pediatric unilateral cataract: stereopsis and visual acuity.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between binocular function and vision after cataract removal and primary posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation in children with unilateral cataract and to identify visual function differences according cataract type.


METHODS
Clinical records of 2- to 6-year-old patients with unilateral cataract removal and primary PC-IOL implantation were reviewed retrospectively. Visual acuity and ocular alignment were measured. Sensory fusion was assessed with the Worth 4-dot test, and stereoacuity with the Titmus stereo test. Cataracts were classified according to cause, lens opacity location, age at onset, and presence of strabismus. Clinical characteristics of patients who obtained good visual function were identified.


RESULTS
Forty-seven patients were included. Among 22 (46.8%) with good vision (20/40 or better), only 6 (27.3%) achieved good binocular function (the presence of fusion and 100 seconds of arc or better of stereoacuity). Visual acuity was better in eyes with good binocular function (p=0.002). No other variables were significant for achieving good binocular function.


CONCLUSIONS
The removal of unilateral cataract in a visually immature child can result in a combination of good visual acuity and binocular function. Good binocular function is closely related to good visual acuity.
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Jung Hyun
JH
Park
Young Suk
YS
Yu
Jeong Hun
JH
Kim
Seong Joon
SJ
Kim
Ho Kyung
HK
Choung
D002386:Cataract / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003867:Depth Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*