Abstract
Purpose::
To describe the results and retinal complications of cataract surgery in adults with a history of premature birth (Adult ROP).
Methods::
Retrospective chart review of two cohorts of patients: Beaumont Hospital and Wills Eye. All patients underwent cataract surgery and were followed for up to 38 years (median 9.9 years).
Results::
A total of 66 eyes from 45 patients underwent cataract surgery. Thirty-seven eyes (56%) had minimal cicatricial changes from ROP. The mean age of cataract surgery was 40.3 years. Twenty-five eyes (38%) had at least a 1-line improvement in vision, 20 eyes (30%) had no change in vision, and 21 eyes (32%) had a decline in vision after cataract surgery. A post-operative complication of a retinal tear or retinal detachment developed in 15 of the 66 eyes (23%). The severity of the baseline fundus changes from ROP did not correlate with the likelihood of developing a post-cataract surgery complication.
Conclusions::
In patients with a history of premature birth, cataract surgery tends to be performed at a young age, has a mixed range of visual results, and can be associated with a high rate of retinal complications.
Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity • cataract • retinal detachment