Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Anterior polar cataracts have traditionally been thought of as benign, without significant implications on vision. This study is meant to review our recent cases of unilateral anterior polar cataracts to determine the frequency of amblyopia and amblyopia risk factors. Methods: A search for cases of unilateral anterior polar cataracts seen within the past three years was conducted and all identifired cases were reviewed. Results: A total of 126 cases with the diagnosis of "cataract" were identified out of which there were nine cases of unilateral anterior polar cataract. Seven (78%) of these had amblyopia. The amblyopia risk factors in these cases were anisoastigmatism (1), anisomyopia and anisoastigmatism (1), anisohyperopia (3), anisoastigmatism and media opacity (1), and media opacity (1). Three of these cataracts progressed to a level requiring cataract extraction. Conclusions: This study re–emphasizes the need for close follow–up of patients with anterior polar cataract, particularly unilateral cases. Even though surgery is needed only in a few cases, amblyopia is frequent and requires appropriate treatment.
Keywords: amblyopia • cataract • astigmatism