Refractive surgery in children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate recent literature regarding indications and outcomes for refractive surgery in children, including laser in-situ keratomileusis, laser epithelial keratomileusis, photorefractive keratectomy, and refractive intraocular lens placement.


RESULTS
Refractive surgery in children is controversial. Recent publications have reported refractive surgery to treat strabismus and both ametropic and anisometropic amblyopia. Questions remain as to the age at which to perform the surgery, and which specific procedure to perform. Choice of technique depends on the clinical situation.


CONCLUSIONS
Refractive surgery is an option for children with amblyopia and strabismus who fail treatment with spectacles or contact lenses. Prospective controlled studies are needed, and longer follow-up will answer questions about the utility and safety of refractive surgery in children.
Fecarotta
Christopher M
CM
Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Kim
Marie
M
Wasserman
Barry N
BN
D000293:Adolescent; D000550:Amblyopia / Q000601:surgery*; D015858:Anisometropia / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery*