Abnormal iris processes may be a marker of glaucoma gene carrier status in some cases of primary infantile glaucoma

Iridocorneal Angle and Anterior Segment Structure of Eyes in Children with Cataract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the morphology of iridocorneal angle and anterior segment in eyes of children with cataract.

METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study, we included eyes of children with bilateral cataract as well as unilateral cataract and fellow eyes. The iridocorneal angle was evaluated using gonioscopy. We compared the preoperative structures of iridocorneal angle and anterior segment between cataractous eyes and fellow eyes. The grading of iridocorneal angle and anatomical changes were analyzed.

RESULTS

We finally recruited 55 eyes of 55 children with bilateral cataract and 41 cataractous eyes and 33 fellow eyes of 41 children with unilateral cataract. The fellow eyes were used as a control group. The iridocorneal angle was open in eyes with pediatric cataract when compared to control eyes. The eyes with cataract exhibited more pigments on the trabecular meshwork than control eyes did (unilateral cataract vs. control, p = 0.013; bilateral cataract vs. control, p = 0.002). The eyes with cataract exhibited a smaller cornea than control eyes (unilateral cataract vs. control, p = 0.031; bilateral cataract vs. control, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The iridocorneal angle is open in the eyes of children with cataract. Eyes with increased pigments on the trabecular meshwork need to be carefully monitored and surgeons should to be on the alert for postoperative glaucoma.