title: Application of minimally invasive 23G vitrectomy via corneal approach for the treatment of pediatric cataract.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the curative effect and complications of 23G vitrectomy via corneal approach for the treatment of pediatric cataract.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed anterior circular capsulotomy, lentectomy and aspiration, posterior circular capsulotomy, and anterior vitrectomy via corneal approach in 40 eyes from 25 children with congenital cataract. In patients aged > 2 years, foldable intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted and frame glasses were prescribed at younger age. The intraoperative/postoperative complications, comfort level, and inflammatory reaction after surgery were observed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No intraoperative complications occurred and 9 eyes were simultaneously implanted IOL. All patients could blink normally except one child who suffered from corneal epithelial abrasion for one day. All corneas were clear and only mild postoperative inflammation was observed. There was no hyphema, effusion, hypotony, and hypertension. A week later, the mild congestion also disappeared. All parents reported good vision of their babies allowing them free play during 3-50 months follow-up. This surgical technique provided a clear 4-6 mm diameter visual axis and circular pupil in all cases. The IOL positions were centered at the pupil area. No secondary cataract developed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 23-gauge vitrectomy via corneal approach for the treatment of pediatric cataract involves only mild discomfort and fewer complications.
authors.affiliation: Eye Institute of Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. lisuyan1226@126.com.
authors.forename: S-Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Z-P
authors.initials: ZP
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: S-J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: H-Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: M-Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Si
authors.forename: K-S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Fan
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*