Short–Term Complications of Cataract Extraction with or without Intraocular Lens Implantation in the First Two Years of Life

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To report on short–term complications of cataract extraction with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in infants under two years of age. Methods: 34 eyes of 23 patients with unilateral (12 patients) or bilateral (11 patients) cataracts underwent cataract extraction before the age of 24 months. IOLs were implanted whenever possible and after parental informed consent. No specific criteria were used for inclusion in either the implantation group (18 eyes) or the non–implantation group (16 eyes). The decision to use an IOL depended on parental consent and on technical considerations at the time of cataract extraction. Surgery was performed using a limbal incision and primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy before implantation of an unfolded lens in the capsular bag. Results: There were no intraoperative complications in any patient. 25 of the 32 eyes were operated before the age of 20 weeks. Follow–up ranged from 4 months to 4 years. The complications during this period are listed in the accompanying table.  

Conclusions: IOL implantation in infants appears to be safe and may have a lower rate of glaucoma and other serious complications than cataract extraction without IOL implantation in the same age groups. Additional studies are needed to confirm our observations.

Keywords: cataract • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications • infant vision