Use of intraocular lenses in children with traumatic cataract in south India

Outcome of surgery for traumatic cataract in children in a child eye health tertiary facility, Ibadan, Nigeria

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of surgery for traumatic cataract and associated factors in children aged 16 years and below operated in a tertiary facility.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of records of children who had surgery for traumatic cataract between August 2015 and August 2019. Information on biodata, preoperative visual acuity, surgical methods, complications, and postoperative visual acuity were retrieved. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0.

Results:

Traumatic cataract accounted for 87 (14.7%) of 593 eyes operated for childhood cataract during the period. Of these, a total of 79 records were available for review. There were 56 (70.9%) males with a mean age of 10.11 (±3.39) years. All injuries were unilateral; closed globe injuries accounted for 70 (88.8%) of the cataracts and the left eye was affected in 42 (53.2%) patients. Fifty-two (67.09%) eyes had other ocular injuries apart from cataracts. The morphology of the cataract was membranous in 44 (55.7%) eyes, and 76 (96.2%) eyes had cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; 39 (51.3%) of these IOLs were implanted within the capsular bag. The preoperative best corrected visual acuity was worse than 6/18 in all 79 (100%) eyes and improved to 6/18 or better in 32 (40.5%) eyes at 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Traumatic cataract accounted for less than a quarter of all childhood cataracts in our center. Majority of the eyes had successful IOLs implantation during surgery, and the best corrected visual acuity improved in a moderate proportion of these patients.

Banded technique for pediatric traumatic cataract surgery

We describe a technique for pediatric traumatic cataract management in cases in which part of the anterior capsule has been ruptured. The technique requires creating a 2-incision push-pull capsulorhexis in the intact anterior capsule. The capsulorhexis is made in a manner that converts the edge of the ruptured anterior capsule into a band of capsule that holds the intraocular lens (IOL) in the bag, reducing the incidence of early, intermediate, or late postoperative lens-iris capture. It also reduces the chances of IOL displacement.

Visual outcomes of pediatric traumatic cataracts

INTRODUCTION:

To report visual outcomes and risk factors of pediatric traumatic cataracts in a tertiary care referral center in northern India.

METHODS:

We analyzed medical records of traumatic cataracts in the pediatric age group (1-15 years) operated for cataract surgery with or without posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation with or without primary posterior capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy between 2004 and 2012. Causative agents, types of trauma, demographic factors, surgical interventions, complications, and visual acuity were recorded and compared among different groups.

RESULTS:

A total of 147 children were documented to have undergone cataract surgery for traumatic cataract in the study period, male-to-female ratio being approximately 5:1. Mean age was 7.67 ± 3.30 years (range, 1-15 years). Type of primary insult was penetrating injury in 100 (68%) patients and blunt trauma in 47 (32%) patients. Mean interval between injury and cataract surgery in penetrating injury cases was 3.84 ± 7.05 months and in the blunt injury cases was 6.28 ± 11.13 months. Preoperatively, only 110 patients were cooperative for visual acuity. Out of them, none had vision better than 6/18 and only 21 patients (19.9%) had vision of ≥6/60. Visual acuity of 6/18 or better (was considered good visual outcome) was achieved by 87.9%, 97.3%, and 97.9% at 1, 6, and 36 months, postoperatively. Eyes which underwent primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy during cataract surgery showed statistically better visual outcome than those without it.

CONCLUSION:

Phacoaspiration with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation along with primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy and timely introduction of amblyopia therapy helped in gaining good visual outcome in pediatric traumatic cataract patients irrespective of the age of presentation and the type of injury.

Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Children After Early Secondary Cataract Extraction Following Wound Repair for Penetrating Ocular Trauma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes in children 8 years of age or younger with corneal laceration and cataract following penetrating ocular injuries who underwent primary corneal tear repair followed within 1 to 8 weeks by early secondary cataract extraction.

METHODS

This retrospective, non-comparative case series reviewed the admission and operative charts of children 8 years of age or younger (range: 3 to 8 years) who underwent corneal wound repair as the primary surgical procedure followed within 1 to 8 weeks by cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The main outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error as the spherical equivalent at the final follow-up visit.

RESULTS

A total of 47 children (33 boys, 14 girls) were included. The mean age at the time of injury was 5.9 ± 2.2 years (range: 3 to 8 years). Follow-up periods ranged from 6 months to 3 years (median: 18 months). The mean time gap between the wound repair and cataract extraction was 5 weeks (range: 1 to 8 weeks). Approximately 36 (77%) eyes obtained BCVA better than 6/18. All but one eye achieved BCVA better than 6/60. The deviation from emmetropia was less than 1.00 diopter (D) in 23 (54%) eyes, 1.00 to 3.00 D in 15 (35%) eyes, and more than 3.00 D in 5 (12%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early removal of cataract with intraocular lens implantation 1 to 8 weeks after the primary wound repair in young children with penetrating corneal injuries can result in excellent visual and refractive outcomes with early intervention and aggressive amblyopia treatment. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2018;55(2):122-127.].

Pediatric ocular trauma score as a prognostic tool in the management of pediatric traumatic cataracts

OBJECTIVE

To introduce and validate the pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS) - a mathematical model to predict visual outcome trauma in children with traumatic cataract METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of consecutive children with traumatic cataracts aged 18 and below were retrieved and analysed. Data collected included age, gender, visual acuity, anterior segment and posterior segment findings, nature of surgery, treatment for amblyopia, follow-up, and final outcome was recorded on a precoded data information sheet. POTS was derived based on the ocular trauma score (OTS), adjusting for age of patient and location of the injury. Visual outcome was predicted using the OTS and the POTS and using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

POTS predicted outcomes were more accurate compared to that of OTS (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

POTS is a more sensitive and specific score with more accurate predicted outcomes compared to OTS, and is a viable tool to predict visual outcomes of pediatric ocular trauma with traumatic cataract.

Clinical profile and visual outcome of traumatic paediatric cataract in suburban Malaysia: a ten-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Available data on traumatic cataract in Asian children is primarily confined to South Asian countries. We aimed to describe the demographics, nature of injury and visual outcomes of Malaysian children with traumatic cataract from a suburban area, and discuss the literature on Asian children with this condition.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 29 children below 17 years of age who were diagnosed with traumatic paediatric cataract and who attended Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, between January 2000 and December 2010. Follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 120 months. Demographic data, clinical features, mechanism and extent of injury, and final visual outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

The study population was predominantly male. The right eye was injured in 62.07% of patients. A majority of patients had penetrating injuries, with the most common cause being injury by an organic foreign body (24.14%). Presenting visual acuity worse than 6/60 was observed in 68.97% of patients. Only 34.48% of patients had a final corrected visual acuity of 6/12 and better. 55.18% of patients were operated on within less than one month of their injuries. A majority of children sustained concurrent injuries to the anterior segment structures. Corneal opacity and amblyopia were the most common causes of poor final visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Health education and awareness are essential tools that can prevent avoidable blindness due to traumatic cataract in the paediatric population. The importance of rehabilitation programmes for these patients should be emphasised.

Traumatic pediatric cataract in southern Ethiopia--results of 49 cases

PURPOSE

To report the experience of two tertiary care facilities in southern Ethiopia in the treatment of traumatic pediatric cataract for a period of more than 1 year.

METHODS

The medical records of consecutive traumatic pediatric cataract patients who underwent surgery at the Hawassa University and the Yirgalem University schools of medicine from July 2007 to August 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients with a follow-up of at least 12 months were included.

RESULTS

A total of 49 children were included. Mean patient age was 8.6 ± 0.3 years (range, 5-15 years). Of the 49 cases, 32 (65%) were caused by blunt trauma. Average follow-up period was 15 months. Postoperative visual acuity of counting fingers or better was achieved in 43 (88%) eyes compared with 5 (10%) at presentation (P < 0.0001). Better visual acuity at presentation and blunt trauma were associated with better final visual acuity. Only blunt trauma was found by multivariate analysis to influence final visual acuity (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual acuity of counting fingers or better visual can be achieved in most cases. Blunt trauma is a good independent prognostic factor for visual acuity.

Epidemiology and Intermediate-Term Outcomes of Open- and Closed-Globe Injuries in Traumatic Childhood Cataract

Purpose

To study epidemiology and intermediate-term outcomes of open- and closed-globe injuries (CGI) in traumatic childhood cataract.

Methods

In this retrospective interventional case series, demographic parameters and history including type of injury of 57 children younger than 16 years with traumatic cataract were recorded; ocular examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and posterior segment evaluation. Patients underwent cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Main surgical outcomes at 6 months comprised BCVA, residual refractive spherical error (SE), and postoperative complications, namely visual axis opacification (VAO) and amblyopia.

Results

Bow and arrow was the most common causal agent. Open-globe injury (OGI) was 3 times more frequent than CGI. There was a significant visual gain from baseline in both groups after cataract surgery (p<0.001); residual SE was greater in OGI (1.6 ± 0.95 SD) compared to blunt trauma (0.8 ± 0.55 SD; p = 0.001). Incidence of corneal scarring, iris distortion, posterior synechiae, and intraoperative posterior capsular tear was greater with OGI (p<0.05). A total of 86% of patients were rehabilitated with a primary/secondary IOL. Single-piece IOL implantation rate (p = 0.004) was significantly greater in CGI, with no statistical difference for in-the-bag IOL (p = 0.053) and IOL implantation rate (p = 0.16). Final BCVA was significantly better for in-the-bag IOL implantation compared to sulcus fixation. Postoperative complications included amblyopia (51%) and VAO (12%).

Conclusions

Bow and arrow injury caused the maximum cases of traumatic cataract; cataract extraction resulted in significant visual improvement; and CGI tended to have better prognosis in pediatric traumatic cataracts.

Causes, epidemiology, and long-term outcome of traumatic cataracts in children in rural India

Purpose:

To describe preoperative factors, long-term (>3 years) postoperative outcome and cost of traumatic cataracts in children in predominantly rural districts of western India.

Subjects:

Eighty-two traumatic cataracts in 81 children in a pediatric ophthalmology department of a tertiary eye-care center.

Materials and Methods:

Traumatic cataracts operated in 2004–2008 were reexamined prospectively in 2010–2011 using standardized technique. Cause and type of trauma, demographic factors, surgical intervention, complications, and visual acuity was recorded.

Statistical Analysis:

Data analysis done by using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) version 17.0 We have used Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, paired t-test to find the association between the final vision and various parameters at 5% level of significance; binary logistic regression was performed for visual outcome ≥6/18 and ≥6/60.

Results:

The children were examined in a 3–7 year follow-up (4.35 ± 1.54). Average age at time of surgery was 10.4 ± 4.43 years (1.03 to 18). Fifty (61.7%) were boys. Forty (48.8%) were blunt and 32 (39%) were sharp trauma. The most common cause was wooden stick 23 (28.0%) and sharp thorn 14 (17.1%). Delay between trauma and presentation to hospital ranged from same day to 12 years after the injury with median of 4 days. The mean preoperative visual acuity by decimal notation was 0.059 ± 0.073 and mean postoperative visual acuity was 0.483 ± 0.417 (P < 0.001). Thirty-eight (46.3%) had best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥6/18 and 51 (62.2%) had BCVA ≥ 6/60. In univariable analysis, visual outcome (≥6/18) depended on type of surgery (P = 0.002), gender (P = 0.028), and type of injury (P = 0.07)–sharp trauma and open globe injury had poorer outcomes; but not on age of child, preoperative vision, and type of surgeon. On multivariable binary logistic regression, only gender was significant variable. Of the 82 eyes, 18 (22%) needed more than one surgery. The parents spent an average of 2250 ($45) for the surgery and 55 (66.4%) were from lower socio-economic class.

Conclusion:

The postoperative visual outcomes varied and less than half achieved ≥ 6/18.

Effect of penetrating and blunt ocular trauma on the outcome of traumatic cataract in children in northern India

BACKGROUND

We studied the demographic profile and outcome of traumatic cataract after penetrating and blunt ocular trauma in children in northern India.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of children with penetrating and blunt ocular trauma associated with traumatic cataract who underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and having more than 1 year follow up. We evaluated the demographic characteristics and visual outcome in the affected eye.

RESULTS

Of the 100 children (100 eyes), 65 were penetrating trauma and 35 were blunt trauma. The common modes of injury in the penetrating group were wooden splinters in 30.8% and bow and arrow in 15.4%. Fire crackers and trauma during play with ball were seen in 34% and 11.4% of blunt eye trauma, respectively. The age ranged from 1 to 14 years (mean, 7.8 years) in the penetrating trauma and 2 to 15 years (mean, 8.3 years) in the blunt trauma group. The best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 57.6% eyes in penetrating group compared with 71.4% in the blunt trauma group. Visually significant posterior capsular opacification developed in 32.3% eyes in penetrating group and 28.6% eyes in blunt trauma group. Glaucoma was diagnosed in 4.6% eyes in penetrating group and 8.6% in blunt trauma group.

CONCLUSION

Eye injuries with traumatic cataract are associated with significant visual impairment. There were more children with penetrating eye injuries as compared with blunt trauma. Cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is a preferred method for visual rehabilitation in these children.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level IV.

OcularTrauma Score: a useful predictor of visual outcome at six weeks in patients with traumatic cataract

OBJECTIVE

To validate the predictive value of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in injury cases with traumatic cataracts.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 787 eyes.

METHODS

A total of 787 eyes of 787 subjects with traumatic cataracts were enrolled using specific inclusion criteria. The eyes were examined to review comorbidities caused by trauma. Surgery was performed for traumatic cataracts, lenses were implanted, and patients were treated for amblyopia, as applicable. The patients were reexamined 6 weeks postoperatively. On the basis of ocular trauma described according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System, the patients were divided into 2 traumatic cataract groups: open globe injury and closed globe injury. The relationship of visual acuity (VA) with demographic and clinical variables was analyzed. The visual outcomes were predicted using the OTS, and the predictions were compared with the actual outcomes using statistical tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual acuity.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks postoperatively, 245 eyes (31%) had a VA ≥ 20/40 and 480 eyes (61.0%) had a VA >20/200. The OTS prediction was not significantly different when compared with actual visual outcome at 6 weeks postoperatively in all OTS categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship of VA at 6 weeks with demographic and clinical variables was analyzed. In this study, the OTS was found as a reliable tool to predict visual outcome in cases of traumatic cataracts 6 weeks postoperatively.

Visual Outcome of Traumatic Cataract in Pediatric Age Group

Purpose.

To review results of traumatic cataracts in children.

Methods.

This is a retrospective cohort study done at a tertiary eye care center at the junction of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan states in central western India. We enrolled children with specific inclusion criteria, examined their eyes to review the comorbidities due to trauma, performed surgery for traumatic cataracts, and implanted a lens, treating amblyopia if applicable. The patients were re-examined 6 weeks postoperatively. We divided the traumatic cataract cases into open-globe (group 1) and closed-globe (group 2) groups according to the ocular trauma based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System and compared the determinants of visual acuity.

Results.

Our cohort of 354 eyes with traumatic cataracts in children included 287 eyes in group 1 and 67 in group 2. Six weeks postoperatively, the visual acuity in the operated eye was >20/200 in 181 (63%) and ≥20/40 in 109 (38%) eyes in the open-globe group and >20/200 in 36 (53%) and ≥20/40 in 16 (22.4%) eyes in the closed-globe group (p = 0.143), and the difference between the groups was not significant in children. Overall, 125 (35.3%) eyes gained a visual acuity at 6 weeks of ≥20/40 and >20/200 in 214 (61.3%) cases.

Conclusions.

Satisfactory visual outcome can be achieved in children with traumatic cataracts, with no significant difference found among open- and closed-globe injuries in the pediatric age group.

Outcome of in-the-bag implanted square-edge polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lenses with and without primary posterior capsulotomy in pediatric traumatic cataract

Purpose:

To study the outcome of in-the-bag implanted square-edge polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOL) with and without primary posterior capsulotomy in pediatric traumatic cataract.

Materials and Methods:

The study was undertaken in a tertiary care center. Thirty eyes of 30 children ranging in age from 4 to 16 years with traumatic cataract which underwent cataract extraction with capsular bag implantation of IOL were prospectively evaluated. Group A included 15 eyes of 15 children where primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) and anterior vitrectomy with capsular bag implantation of square-edge PMMA IOL (Aurolab SQ3602, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India) was performed. Group B comprised 15 eyes of 15 children in which the posterior capsule was left intact. Postoperative visual acuity, visual axis opacification (VAO) and possible complications were analyzed.

Results:

Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better was achieved in 12 of 15 eyes in both groups. Amblyopia was the cause of no improvement in visual acuity in the remaining eyes. Visual axis opacification was significantly high in Group B as compared to Group A (P=0.001). Postoperative fibrinous uveitis occurred in most of the eyes in both groups. Pupillary capture was observed in one eye in each group.

Conclusion:

Primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy with capsular bag implantation of square-edge PMMA significantly helps to maintain a clear visual axis in children with traumatic cataract.

Secondary cataract: an epidemiologic and clinical survey at the Yaounde Gynaeco-obstetric and Paediatric Hospital

Objective:

To determine the incidence and risk factors of secondary cataract.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective study involving a review of medical records in the ophthalmology unit of the Yaoundé Gynaeco-obstetric and Paediatric Hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon, was carried out. All patients who had cataract surgery between January 2006 and September 2010 were included. Variables included age, sex, past medical history, morphology of primary cataract, type of surgery, intraocular lens implantation, site of implantation, intra- and postoperative complications, and the time lapse for the presentation of secondary cataract. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out. The χ² test was used to compare proportions, and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 864 eyes of 718 patients had cataract surgery. Ninety-two eyes developed posterior capsule opacification, giving an incidence of 10.65%. The mean age of patients who developed secondary cataract was 52.3 ± 23.05 years, with a range of 4 years to 84 years. Secondary cataract was more frequent in the age group of 0–20 years. The time lapse for presentation of secondary cataract was 64.7 ± 9.53 days, with a range of 1 to 504 days. Risk factors for the development of secondary cataract were age (P = 0.000), sex (P = 0.011), cortical cataract (P = 0.000), and postoperative inflammation (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

The incidence of secondary cataract, though high in this study, is lower than that reported in other studies.

Cataract surgery in the setting of trauma

PURPOSE

To review the changes in the surgical techniques used for cataract removal in the setting of trauma and their postoperative outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Primary cataract removal with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the commonly followed procedure for penetrating injuries with cataract. IOL implantation has evolved through various techniques namely 'in the bag', 'in the sulcus', epilenticular implantation, anterior chamber IOL, scleral fixated IOL and recently glued IOL.

SUMMARY

Certain lacerating injuries of the anterior segment are particularly amenable to cataract extraction and IOL implantation at the time of primary laceration repair. This approach obviates additional operative and anesthetic risks, while affording timelier visual rehabilitation. Secondary lens removal may also be indicated in cases of severe corneal injury and marked edema, which may interfere with intraocular visualization.

Outcomes of Bilateral Cataract Surgery in Tanzanian Children

OBJECTIVE

To investigate outcomes of bilateral pediatric cataract surgery in east Africa.

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred forty-three children who underwent bilateral cataract surgery at the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation for Tanzania Disability Hospital between 2001 and 2004.

METHODS

Demographic, surgical, preoperative, and postoperative clinical characteristics obtained from patient records were entered into a database (Microsoft Excel; Microsoft, Redmond, WA), and statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative visual acuities and factors affecting them and postoperative refraction results.

RESULTS

Intraocular lenses were inserted in the first eyes of 232 children (149 Alcon AcrySof [Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX], 83 polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA]). Fifty-eight (62%) of 94 patients with final follow-up acuities recorded in both eyes achieved 20/60 or better in their better eye and 13 (13%) of 94 patients were blind. Of the various predictors of good visual outcome identified for children or eyes, only absence of preoperative blindness (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-18.0; P<0.0005) remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression model. One hundred nine (51%) of 212 refracted first eyes had early postoperative refractive error spherical equivalent magnitudes of 2 diopters (D) or more. Ninety-nine (47%) of 212 eyes had initial postoperative cylinders of 3 D or more, dropping to 30 (18%) of 164 of those who had later follow-up refraction. Presence of biometric data was not associated with smaller postoperative refractive errors. Eyes with AcrySof lenses were less likely (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.04-6.06) to have more than 3 D of astigmatism at latest follow-up. AcrySof lenses also were more likely (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.7) to be fixated in the bag than PMMA lenses. Acute fibrinous uveitis occurred in 30 cases (12%), and transient corneal haze occurred in 20 cases (8%). Twenty-seven (11%) had chronic complications, 69 (28%) underwent a further general anesthetic procedure, and 9 (4%) underwent yytrium-aluminum-garnet capsulotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative blindness was the strongest predictor of poor postoperative visual outcome; the use of AcrySof lenses as opposed to PMMA lenses made in-the-bag fixation more likely and also reduced postoperative astigmatism.

Predictors of poor follow-up in children that had cataract surgery

BACKGROUND

Centers for high quality cataract surgery for children have been developed in a number of sub-Saharan African countries. Surgery, however, is only the first stage of a long, often complex, rehabilitation program. There are indications that follow-up in these settings is poor. In a setting with a high quality surgical service an active program to identify and manage children with cataract and a newly developed low vision program, we sought to measure routine follow-up and to determine the factors associated with good or poor follow-up.

METHODS

This prospective study included all children (under the age of 16 years) having surgery for congenital, developmental, or traumatic cataract at KCMC Hospital between March 2003 and October 2004. Standardized data was collected pre-, intra-, and postoperation. Follow-up was assessed at two weeks and ten weeks.

RESULTS

Among the 154 children included 35.1% had congenital cataract, 32.5% had developmental cataract, and 31.8% had traumatic cataract. Overall, 66.9% attended two-week follow-up and 42.9% attended ten-week follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex (being a boy), close proximity to a hospital, and minimal delay in presentation for surgery all independently predicted good follow-up at two weeks. Only distance from a hospital and preoperative vision (not blind in operative eye) predicted good ten-week follow up.

DISCUSSION

Current follow-up practices are inadequate. Significant investment in surgical interventions may not lead to improved visual rehabilitation or quality of life, if investments in follow-up are not increased. Linking individual children, their families, and the hospital needs to be approached systematically, if follow-up is to be improved. Improved hospital-based counseling should focus on families who bring their child late for surgery and with girls.

Management of paediatric traumatic cataract by epilenticular intraocular lens implantation: long-term visual results and postoperative complications

PURPOSE

This study was carried out to evaluate the postoperative visual results and complications following epilenticular intraocular lens implantation in paediatric traumatic cataracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients undergoing epilenticular intraocular lens implantation for traumatic pediatric cataract were evaluated prospectively for visual results and complications. After-cataract formation was the prime area of interest. Follow-up of patients ranged from 2 to 8 years (mean 5 years). In all, 90% of eyes had a visual acuity of 6/60 or worse at the time of presentation.

RESULTS

In total, 80% of our patients achieved a visual acuity of 6/12 or better postoperatively after a mean follow-up of 5 years. None of our patients had after-cataract formation and the visual axis remained clear until the last follow-up in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

Epilenticular intraocular lens implantation in paediatric traumatic cataracts is associated with favourable anatomic and visual results.

Use of bipolar diathermy to prevent posterior capsule opacification(1)

PURPOSE

To determine the feasibility of using directed bipolar diathermy to eliminate or reduce the formation of new cortical lens material following phacoemulsification in a rabbit model.

SETTING

Department of Research & Development, Bausch & Lomb Surgical, and Department of Ophthalmology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

METHODS

A rabbit model for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was used. A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis was performed followed by phacoemulsification to remove cortical lens material. In 2 experimental groups, modified bipolar instruments were used to apply diathermy to residual lens epithelial cells using an intracapsular or extracapsular method of application. Postoperative clinical examinations were at 1, 3, and 7 days and then weekly up to 60 days. Selected animals were followed for a longer period. Capsule integrity was evaluated by measuring the pressure required to rupture the capsule in similarly treated porcine eyes.

RESULTS

Diathermy prevented PCO in 4 of 4 eyes in the intracapsular treatment group and 4 of 5 in the extracapsular group. Eyes remained free of new lens cortex for the life of the animal, which was as long as 18 months. New cortical material was detected after 35 days in 1 animal in the extracapsular group. Mean time for the formation of observable cortical material was 29 days +/- 5 (SD) in the control animals. Physical measurements did not detect a reduction in capsule integrity with diathermy treatment. The extracapsular treatment method resulted in fewer iris complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Directed diathermy has the potential to eliminate secondary cataract formation with minimal damage to collateral tissues.

When may the posterior capsule be preserved in pediatric intraocular lens surgery?

PURPOSE

To refine indications for primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) in conjunction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation for cataract in childhood.

DESIGN

Noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 1 to 13 years old who underwent cataract extraction with intent to preserve the posterior lens capsule and PCIOL implantation between January 1992 and December 1998 at a pediatric hospital.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed to determine the frequency and timing of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after PCIOL surgery with preservation of an intact posterior capsule. Comparison of pseudophakic PCO rates for groups defined by age and several possible risk factors. Assessment of safety and efficacy for PPC with anterior vitrectomy performed through a limbal incision in cases where the posterior capsule could not be preserved.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Need for neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy or surgical membranectomy to treat PCO.

RESULTS

PCO occurred in 40% of 30 eyes with intact posterior capsule. Mean follow-up duration was 22 months for eyes that had PCO develop and 24 months for those in which the posterior capsule remained clear. Laser capsulotomy was required for 64% of 14 eyes in the 1- to 6-year-old age range but for only 19% of 16 in the 6- to 13-year-old range (P < 0.05). Mean time from surgery to PCO was 7 months for the younger group and 13 months for the older group. A need for repeated capsulotomy (one eye) or membranectomy with anterior vitrectomy (two eyes) was found only in the younger age group. There was no association of PCO with trauma history, cataract type, residual lens cortex, IOL position, or postoperative fibrin clot. Final vision was possibly compromised as a result of PCO in one eye with amblyopia. None of 24 eyes in which PPC with anterior vitrectomy was performed out of intraoperative necessity before primary PCIOL implantation had secondary opacification develop. No reduction in postoperative vision was attributable to PPC.

CONCLUSIONS

PPC seems to be advisable for children less than 6 years old when cataract extraction with PCIOL implantation is performed. Preservation of the posterior capsule remains appropriate for older children with pseudophakia.

Intraocular lens implantation for traumatic cataract in children in East Africa

PURPOSE

To review the visual outcomes and complications after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with traumatic cataract in sub-Saharan Africa, where contact lenses for unilateral aphakia are impractical in most patients.

SETTING

PCEA Kikuyu Eye Unit, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa.

METHODS

All children younger than 16 years having IOL implantation for traumatic cataract between February 1993 and December 1998 (215 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed. Complications and visual outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 147 boys and 68 girls. The median interval between injury and cataract surgery was 8 weeks. The most common causes of injury were stick (36.3%) and thorn (10.7%). Extracapsular cataract extraction with IOL implantation was performed in all patients. The most frequent early complication was fibrinous uveitis in 110 eyes (51.2%). One hundred sixty-seven eyes (77.7%) had 1 month or more follow-up. Of those, 108 eyes (64.7%) had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/60 or better. Twenty-one eyes (12.6%) had a visual acuity of worse than 20/200, with the most common causes being amblyopia (9/21) and retinal detachment (5/21). Amblyopia was found in 42 of 108 (38.9%) children aged 8 years or less at the time of injury. Eyes with the IOL in the capsular bag were significantly less likely to require subsequent capsulotomy (P <.01) during the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that posterior chamber IOLs can be safely implanted by experienced surgeons in most children older than 2 years with traumatic cataract and should be the standard of care throughout the world.

Surgical outcomes in adult patients after repair of anterior segment trauma sustained during childhood

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes and possible benefit of surgery performed on adults for anterior segment trauma sustained during childhood.

SETTING

Private practice.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patient records was performed. Adult patients who had anterior segment surgery for injuries that occurred during childhood were identified. The surgical outcomes were evaluated to determine whether intervention was beneficial in this subgroup of patients.

RESULTS

Six patients were identified. Preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 or worse in all patients. After surgery, the BCVA in 3 patients had improved to 20/30 or better and in 1 patient, to 20/60. The other 2 patients had less improvement; however, each noted subjective improvement in vision. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of evidence of accompanying posterior segment trauma, surgery in adults to correct anterior segment damage from childhood trauma was safe and often beneficial.

Visual results and postoperative complications of capsular bag and ciliary sulcus fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in children with traumatic cataracts

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visual results and postoperative complications of capsular bag and ciliary sulcus fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) for traumatic cataracts in children.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

METHODS

Twenty children (20 eyes) with traumatic cataracts had extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber IOL implantation. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Capsular bag fixation was performed in 10 children (Group A) and ciliary sulcus fixation in the other 10 (Group B). Traumatic cataracts associated with large corneal lacerations (10.0 mm or more), hyphema, angle recession, or posterior segment involvement were excluded. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as early and delayed postoperative complications were prospectively evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

The BCVA was 6/12 or better in 9 eyes (90%) in Group A and 8 eyes (80%) in Group B at the end of the mean follow-up (24.6 months +/- 10.6 [SD]). Amblyopia (1 eye in Group A) and corneal scar and commotio retinae (1 eye each in Group B) accounted for a visual acuity of worse than 6/12. The residual refractive error did not exceed 3.50 diopters in either group. The incidences of fibrinous anterior uveitis and pupillary capture were significantly higher in Group B (P < .05, Fisher exact test).

CONCLUSION

Capsular bag fixation of posterior chamber IOLs provided visual results similar to those with ciliary sulcus fixation but was associated with fewer postoperative complications, particularly uveitis and pupillary capture. This represents another important reason to attempt in-the-bag fixation in cases of traumatic cataract.

Posterior capsule opacification. Part 2: Clinical findings

The incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), the most common complication of modern cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, seems to have decreased slightly as a result of improved surgical and cortical cleanup techniques. However, the reported incidence is still significant. The diverse findings on PCO are the result in part of studies using different criteria to clinically judge and quantify the condition. In addition, the influence of intraocular and systemic factors are only now being identified. This second of a 2-part review of PCO focuses on (1) less subjective morphological and patient-dependent means to evaluate and quantify PCO; (2) the influence of ocular factors on PCO; (3) the influence of systemic factors on PCO; (4) available means and approaches to prevent or delay PCO.

Can cataract be prevented?

The feasibility of preventing cataract by elimination of risk factors or by anti-cataract therapy is reviewed. Elimination of the major risk factors in Western countries would be difficult, although it has potential in the developing world. Various approaches to drug therapy have been made but ran into problems. The development of aldose reductase inhibitors received by far the greatest financial support but problems with toxicity were rapidly followed by the collapse of the original hypothesis. The case of aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen built up more slowly with no encouragement from the pharmaceutical industry. Positive results have been achieved in vitro, and in the prevention of diabetic cataract in rats, as well as the identification of an association with a protective effect against cataract in human patients. A clinical trial of these compounds is required. Other anti-cataract agents are also being investigated.

Randomised clinical trial of lensectomy versus lens aspiration and primary capsulotomy for children with bilateral cataract in south India

AIMS

The primary objective was to determine which surgical technique gave the best long term visual outcome for infants and young children with bilateral symmetrical cataract in south India. Secondary objectives were to assess complications and the need for further surgical intervention.

METHODS

A randomised controlled clinical trial was undertaken. 65 children under 10 years old with bilateral cataract had one eye treated by lensectomy and the other by aspiration with primary capsulotomy.

RESULTS

56 children (86%) with a mean age at surgery of 53 months were reviewed 3 years after surgery. The overall binocular acuity was 6/18 or better in 57.1% and 6/60 or better in 94.6%. There was no difference in visual acuity between the matched pairs of eyes undergoing aspiration or lensectomy at the third year of follow up (p=0.57). Aspiration eyes were more likely to require a secondary procedure to restore vision than lensectomy eyes (66.1% v 1.8%).

CONCLUSION

Aspiration with primary capsulotomy gives an acceptable visual outcome in this part of India providing that there is good follow up to manage capsule opacification. If secondary intervention is not possible owing to poor compliance with follow up, then lensectomy is likely to give better long term visual rehabilitation providing there is good maintenance and technical support for the lensectomy equipment.