Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To assess the safety and efficiency of single–piece acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation used as a routine procedure for pediatric cataracts in our department. Foldable three–pieces IOL's have been recently advocated with the advantage of small incision and simplification of the procedure. Methods: We prospectively studied 49 eyes of 35 children who underwent cataract extraction, anterior vitrectomy and implantation with the Alcon SA60 AT or SN60AT single–pieces IOL's. Eyes were examined 1 day, one week, 1 month, 6 months post–operatively and then every six months. Age at the time of surgery, postoperative follow–up, anterior segment aspect, intraocular pressure, fundus, need for a second procedure, refractive error and visual acuity (when applicable) were noted. Results: Median age at the time of surgery was 25.9 months (range5 months to14 years).Mean follow–up was12.6 months (5–30 months).Seven eyes of 4 children required anterior vitrectomy for fibrinous proliferation in the pupil area. Three eyes of two children required posterior vitrectomy for cellular growth posteriorly to the IOL. Most re–operations were performed in children youger than 6 months.Anatomical outcome was favorable in all eyes. No capsular bag retraction, glaucoma or retinal detachment occured.Visual outcome was favourable. Conclusions: Single–piece acrylic IOLs appear to be safe and efficient in pediatric cataract surgery. The type and frequency of complications observed, mainly in young infants, seem to be comparable with those occuring with other types of IOLs.
Keywords: cataract • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • small incision cataract surgery