Comparison of posterior optic capture of intraocular lens without vitrectomy vs endocapsular implantation with anterior vitrectomy in congenital cataract surgery: A randomized prospective study

An Analysis of Ocular Biometrics: A Comprehensive Retrospective Study in a Large Cohort of Pediatric Cataract Patients

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of ocular biometric parameters in pediatric patients with cataracts to optimize surgical outcomes. By evaluating various biometric data, we seek to enhance the decision-making process for intraocular lens (IOL) placement, particularly with advanced technologies like femtosecond lasers. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included pediatric patients with cataracts who underwent ocular biometric measurements and cataract extraction with anterior vitrectomy at the Medical University of Vienna between January 2019 and December 2021. Parameters measured included corneal diameter (CD), axial length (AL), corneal thickness (CT) and flat and steep keratometry (Kf and Ks). The study explored the correlations between these parameters and IOL placement. Results: A total of 136 eyes from 68 pediatric patients were included in the study. Significant positive correlations were found between corneal diameter, age and AL. The mean CD was 11.4 mm, mean AL was 19.5 mm, CT was 581.2 ± 51.8 µm, Kf was 7.76 ± 0.55 mm and Ks 7.41 ± 0.59 mm, respectively. Older pediatric patients with larger corneal diameters and longer ALs were more likely to receive in-the-bag IOL implantation. Conversely, younger patients often required alternative IOL placements or remained aphakic. Our data indicated that over 95% of the study population and all patients aged one year and older had a corneal diameter of 10 mm or larger. Conclusions: Detailed ocular biometric analysis is crucial for optimizing both surgical outcomes and postoperative care in pediatric cataract patients. The positive correlations between CD, age and AL underline the importance of individualized surgical planning tailored to each patient's unique anatomical features. Additionally, our findings suggest that the use of a femtosecond laser is both feasible and safe for pediatric patients aged one year and older, potentially offering enhanced surgical precision and improved outcomes.

Comparison of the axial growth with multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses in unilateral pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare axial growth in pediatric cataract patients who underwent multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation without anterior vitrectomy (AV) with that in pediatric patients who underwent monofocal IOL implantation with or without AV.

METHODS

Patients who had unilateral pediatric cataracts and underwent surgery at 3-6 years of age from June 6, 2019, to June 30, 2020, at our institution were prospectively analyzed. The patients were categorized into Group A: multifocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger's space without AV; Group B: monofocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger's space without AV; and Group C: bag-in-the-lens monofocal IOL implantation with AV. Groups A', B' and C' consisted of the fellow eyes from the respective groups. Axial growth and monthly growth rates were compared among the 3 treatment groups, as well as between the treated eyes and the fellow eyes.

RESULTS

Thirty-one, 23, and 14 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria, respectively, were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in patient age at the time of surgery or preoperative axial length (P > 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 35.57 ± 3.78 months, significant differences in the axial growth and the monthly growth rate were observed (P < 0.05), and Group A had the least axial elongation. Comparing treated eyes with fellow eyes, the amount and rate of axial growth were lower in Group A than in Group A' (P < 0.05), no significant differences were found in Group B (P > 0.05), and Group C had greater growth than did Group C' (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The implanting multifocal intraocular lenses and maintenance of vitreous body integrity may be protective factors against excessive axial growth in pediatric cataract patients. Clinical trial registration (prospective study): chiCRT1900023155; 2019-05-14.

Influence of posterior capsule abnormalities in pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To report how to manage posterior capsule abnormalities (PCAs) in pediatric cataracts and evaluate the influence of PCAs during intraocular lens (IOL) optic implantation in Berger space surgeries.

SETTING

Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Qingdao, China.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series study.

METHODS

Pediatric patients with PCAs who underwent cataract surgery were evaluated. A video-based analysis of the surgical interventions included the type of crystalline lens opacification, types and management of PCAs, complications during primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC), need for anterior vitrectomy (AV), and feasibility of IOL optic capture.

RESULTS

There were 227 pediatric cataract surgeries performed during the study period, and 76 eyes of 66 children with PCAs were evaluated (33.5%, 76/227). Unilateral cataract with PCAs were found in 50 eyes (22.0%, 50/227) and bilateral were found in 26 eyes (11.5%, 26/227). The PCAs were posterior capsule plaque (19.8%, 45/227), posterior capsule defect (6.2%, 14/227), posterior lenticonus (3.1%, 7/227), and persistent fetal vasculature (4.4%, 10/227). In the PCA cases, primary PCCC was successful in 44.7% of the cases (34/76). An unplanned AV during the surgeries was performed in 47.4% (36) of the 76 eyes. IOL optic implantation in Berger space was achieved in 63.2% of the eyes (48/76).

CONCLUSIONS

PCAs are often encountered during pediatric cataract surgeries, especially in unilateral cases. The presence of PCAs may complicate a primary PCCC procedure, resulting in an unplanned AV in some cases. IOL optic implantation in Berger space can also be performed fortunately with well-designed and skilled operation.

Surgical challenges of posterior optic capture in pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

The efficacy of posterior optic capture (POC) in reducing posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in pediatric cataract is well recognized. The purpose of this paper was to identify the surgical challenges when attempting this technique and highlight the etiquettes to follow when performing this maneuver.

METHODS

Prospective observational noncomparative case series. Children diagnosed with congenital or developmental cataracts undergoing cataract surgery and primary IOL implantation with posterior optic capture (and no anterior vitrectomy) from June 2017 to April 2022 at a tertiary care referral institute were included. Records of all intraoperative findings and postoperative complications until the last follow-up were noted.

RESULTS

Posterior optic capture was attempted in 53 eyes of 49 children aged 2.4 ± 1.98 years. The mean follow-up of the patients was 16.5 ± 14.2 months (range 6 months-5 years). Successful POC could be performed in 46 eyes (86.8%). Two eyes developed posterior capsular opacification at the last follow-up. In eyes where POC could not be performed, five of these (83%) were children below 12 months of age with half of them having a preexisting posterior capsular defect.

CONCLUSION

Posterior optic capture is technically challenging with a steep learning curve that can be mastered over time. Adequate relative sizing of the anterior and posterior capsulorhexis is important. Caution is advised when using this technique in infants and in cases with posterior capsular defects.

Predictive Factors of Complications and Visual Outcomes after Pediatric Cataract Surgery: A Single Referral Center Study from Türkiye

Objectives

To evaluate the predictive factors of complications and visual acuity outcomes in pediatric cataract patients.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, observational clinical study included 80 eyes of 50 patients treated for pediatric cataracts between 2010 and 2020. The eyes were divided into Group I (congenital cataracts, n=38) and Group II (developmental cataracts, n=42). Group II was also divided into Group IIA (aphakic, n=21) and Group IIB (pseudophakic, n=21). The effects of the age, laterality, cataract morphology, intraocular lens implantation, preoperative nystagmus/strabismus, and intraoperative anterior hyaloid rupture on complications and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; logMAR) were evaluated.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age and follow-up time were 28 (5-79) months and 60 (29-84) months, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean final BCVA between Group I (0.79±0.46) and Group II (0.57±0.51) (p=0.047); however, no difference was observed between Group IIA and Group IIB (p=0.541). Having congenital cataract (p=0.045), preoperative nystagmus/strabismus (p=0.042), total/mature cataract (p<0.001), and postoperative complications (p=0.07) were significantly associated with final BCVA. However, in multivariate analysis, only total/mature cataract (β: 0.52, p<0.001) and having any complication (β: 0.24, p=0.018) were associated with final BCVA. Congenital cataract and intraoperative anterior hyaloid rupture were the only significant risk factors of postoperative complications on univariate (p=0.027 and p=0.003, respectively) and binary logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 2.95 [95% confidence interval: 1.07-8.15], p=0.036 and OR: 4.28 [95% confidence interval: 1.55-11.77], p=0.005, respectively).

Conclusion

Total/mature cataract and the presence of any postoperative complication adversely affected the final BCVA. Having a congenital cataract and intraoperative anterior hyaloid membrane rupture increased the risk of complications.

Role of swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography in imaging pediatric cataract

Purpose

To determine the morphology of pediatric cataracts and assess the status of the anterior and posterior capsules preoperatively on swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) and compare the findings to those of intraoperative examination. Secondly, we aimed to obtain biometric measurements on ASOCT and compare them to those obtained on A-scan/optical methods.

Methods

This was a prospective and observational study carried out at a tertiary care referral institute. ASOCT scans for anterior segment were obtained preoperatively for all patients, aged <8 years, scheduled for paediatric cataract surgery. The morphology of the lens and capsule and biometry were performed on ASOCT and the same were assessed intraoperatively. The main outcome measures were comparison of ASOCT findings to intraoperative findings.

Results

The study included 33 eyes of 29 patients (range 3 months-8 years). The morphological characterization of cataract on ASOCT was accurate in 31/33 (94%) cases. ASOCT accurately identified fibrosis and rupture of the anterior and posterior capsules in 32/33 (97%) cases each. In 30% of eyes, ASOCT gave additional information preoperatively compared to the slit lamp. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation revealed a good agreement between the keratometry values obtained on ASOCT and those obtained preoperatively with a handheld/optical keratometer (ICC = 0.86, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

ASOCT is a valuable tool that could provide complete preoperative information of the lens and capsule in pediatric cataract cases. In children as young as 3 months of age, intraoperative risks and surprises could be diminished. The keratometric readings are highly dependent on patient cooperation but show good agreement with the handheld/optical keratometer readings.

Optic Capture Without Anterior Vitrectomy in Pediatric Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of 2 surgical techniques in children undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation: optic capture of IOL without anterior vitrectomy (AV) or in-the-bag IOL with AV.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to 2 groups: optic capture without AV (group 1) or in-the-bag implantation with AV (group 2). The following variables were compared: visual axis opacification (VAO), inflammatory deposits on IOL surface, anteroposterior synechia, IOL tilt and decentration, lenticular astigmatism, refractive prediction error, and posterior segment complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-one eyes of 37 children were investigated with a mean follow-up of 20.1±8.5 months. Group 1 and group 2 had mean ages of 59.2±32.6 and 46.5±21.9 months, respectively (P = .104). Three eyes in group 1 and 2 eyes in group 2 developed VAO (P = .656). Two eyes in group 1 and 5 eyes in group 2 developed anteroposterior synechia (P = .291). Six eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2 had inflammatory deposits on the IOL (P = .233). Both groups had similar IOL tilt and decentralization (for all meridians, P > .05). The absolute refractive prediction error was 0.55±0.34 diopter (D) and 0.53±0.3 D, respectively (P = .294). Each group had 1 eye with intraocular hypertension (P = .932).

CONCLUSION

The optic capture method was similar to the conventional technique in the quantitative evaluation of comprehensive data such as visual axis opacification, inflammatory sequelae, refractive outcomes, and IOL stability. The optic capture technique is an appealing option for pediatric cataract surgery because it eliminates the requirement for vitrectomy.

Pediatric cataract surgery: considerations and updates in diagnosis and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of updates in the diagnosis and management of pediatric cataracts, with an emphasis on recent discoveries in the last two years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pediatric cataracts remain an infrequent but significant disease with vision threatening consequences. Although much of the management has not changed historically, more recent updates, particularly borrowed from adult cataract management, have influenced the field of cataract management in children. Even these studies emphasize that pediatric cataracts are a distinct clinical entity from adult-onset cataracts, and further research is needed to optimize the diagnosis and management of cataracts in childhood.

SUMMARY

This is an overview of the recent advancements in the diagnosis of management of pediatric cataracts, with advancements that originate from the adult cataract surgery field in addition to studies that challenge classical surgical techniques to make cataract surgery safer and to promote amblyopia therapy.

Surgical interventions for bilateral congenital cataract in children aged two years and under

BACKGROUND

Congenital cataracts are lens opacities in one or both eyes of babies or children present at birth. These may cause a reduction in vision severe enough to require surgery. Cataracts are proportionally the most treatable cause of visual loss in childhood, and are a particular problem in low-income countries, where early intervention may not be possible. Paediatric cataracts provide different challenges to those in adults. Intense inflammation, amblyopia (vision is obstructed by cataract from birth which prevents normal development of the visual system), posterior capsule opacification and uncertainty about the final trajectory of ocular growth parameters can affect results of treatment. Two options currently considered for children under 2 years of age with bilateral congenital cataracts are: (i) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; or (ii) leaving a child with primary aphakia (no lens in the eye), necessitating the need for contact lenses or aphakic glasses. Other important considerations regarding surgery include the prevention of visual axis opacification (VAO), glaucoma and the route used to perform lensectomy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of infant cataract surgery or lensectomy to no surgery for bilateral congenital cataracts in children aged 2 years and under.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP. The date of the search was 25 January 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared infant cataract surgery or lensectomy to no surgery, in children with bilateral congenital cataracts aged 2 years and younger. This update (of a review published in 2001 and updated in 2006) does not include children over 2 years of age because they have a wider variety of aetiologies, and are therefore managed differently, and have contrasting outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. Two review authors extracted data independently. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using RoB 1 and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified three RCTs that met our inclusion criteria with each trial comparing a different aspect of surgical intervention for this condition. The trials included a total of 79 participants under 2 years of age, were conducted in India and follow-up ranged from 1 to 5 years. Study participants and outcome assessors were not masked in these trials. One study (60 children) compared primary IOL implantation with primary aphakia. The results from this study suggest that there may be little or no difference in visual acuity at 5 years comparing children with pseudophakia (mean logMAR 0.50) and aphakia (mean logMAR 0.59) (mean difference (MD) -0.09 logMAR, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) -0.24 to 0.06; 54 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain. The evidence is very uncertain as to the effect of IOL implantation compared with aphakia on visual axis opacification (VAO) (risk ratio (RR) 1.29, 95% CI 0.23 to 7.13; 54 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The trial investigators did not report on the cases of amblyopia. There was little evidence of a difference betwen the two groups in cases of glaucoma at 5 years follow-up (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.24 to 3.10; 54 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Cases of retinal detachment and reoperation rates were not reported. The impact of IOL implantation on adverse effects is very uncertain because of the sparse data available: of the children who were pseudophakic, 1/29  needed a trabeculectomy and 8/29 developed posterior synechiae. In comparison, no trabeculectomies were needed in the aphakic group and 2/25 children had posterior synechiae (54 participants; very low-certainty evidence).  The second study (14 eyes of 7 children under 2 years of age) compared posterior optic capture of IOL without vitrectomy versus endocapsular implantations with anterior vitrectomy (commonly called 'in-the-bag surgery'). The authors did not report on visual acuity, amblyopia, glaucoma and reoperation rate. They had no cases of VAO in either group. The evidence is very uncertain as to the effect of in-the-bag implantation in children aged under 1 year. There was a higher incidence of inflammatory sequelae: 4/7 in-the-bag implantation eyes and 1/7 in optic capture eyes (P = 0.04, 7 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We graded the certainty of evidence as low or very low for imprecision in all outcomes because their statistical analysis reported that a sample size of 13 was needed in each group to achieve a power of 80%, whereas their subset of children under the age of 1 year had only 7 eyes in each group. The third study (24 eyes of 12 children) compared a transcorneal versus pars plana route using a 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system. The evidence is very uncertain as to the effect of the route chosen on the incidence of VAO, with no cases reported at 1 year follow-up in either group. The investigators did not report on visual acuity, amblyopia, glaucoma, retinal detachment and reoperation rate. The pars plana route had the adverse effects of posterior capsule rupture in 2/12 eyes, and 1/12 eyes needing sutures. Conversely, 1/12 eyes operated on by the transcorneal route needed sutures. We graded the outcomes with very low-certainty because of the small sample size and the absence of a priori sample size calculation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no high level evidence for the effectiveness of one type of surgery for bilateral congenital cataracts over another, or whether surgery itself is better than primary aphakia. Further RCTs are required to inform modern practice about concerns, including the timing of surgery, age at which surgery should be undertaken, age for implantation of an IOL and development of complications, such as reoperations, glaucoma and retinal detachment. Standardising the methods used to measure visual function, along with objective monitoring of compliance with the use of aphakic glasses/contact lenses would greatly improve the quality of study data and enable more reliable interpretation of outcomes.

Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Patients With Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation With Optic Capture in Berger Space for Pediatric Cataract

PURPOSE

To assess the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in pediatric patients with multifocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger space.

METHODS

This prospective observational study enrolled 68 children (101 eyes), aged 3 to 14 years, who received multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZMB00; Abbott Medical Optics) implantation with optic capture in Berger space from June 2019 to June 2020 in Qingdao Eye Hospital. Ocular biometry was performed using the IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec). The IOL power and intended postoperative refraction were calculated using the Hoffer Q, Barrett Universal II, Holladay, Holladay2, SRK/T, Haigis, and SRKII formulas. The refractive state of patients, prediction error, and absolute prediction error were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean absolute error of the formulas was significantly different (0.49 diopters [D], Hoffer Q; 0.52 D, Barrett Universal II; 0.47 D, Holladay; 0.54 D, Holladay2; 0.52 D, SRK/T; 0.67 D, Haigis; 0.99 D, SRKII; P < .001). However, the Hoffer Q, Barrett Universal II, Holladay, Holladay2, and SRK/T formulas had a similar accuracy in predicting refractive error within ±0.50 D (62.4%, 59.4%, 62.4%, 62.4%, and 58.4%). There was a trend toward a greater prediction error in eyes with a shorter axial length (≤ 22 mm) or a steeper cornea (> 43.50 D), for which the Hoffer Q and Holladay2 formulas were more accurate. When the axial length was greater than 22 mm or the corneal curvature was 43.50 D or less, the Holladay, Hoffer Q, and Barrett Universal II formulas were more accurate.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with pediatric cataract treated with multifocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger space, the Hoffer Q, Barrett Universal II, Holladay, Holladay2, and SRK/T formulas performed better than the other formulas. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XX-XX.].

Posterior Capsular Outcomes of Pediatric Cataract Surgery With In-The-Bag Intraocular Lens Implantation

AIM

To investigate the change of posterior capsular outcomes of pediatric cataract surgery with primary in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

METHODS

We conducted a case series of pediatric cataract children who underwent cataract extraction with primary in-the-bag IOL implantation, posterior capsulorhexis or vitrectorhexis, and limited anterior vitrectomy at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between 2016 and 2019. Digital retro-illumination photographs of pediatric eyes were obtained at baseline and 6 months, 12 months, and the last visit postoperatively. Capsular outcomes of the posterior capsular opening area (PCOA) and lens reprolifration area at those time points were compared. Correlations between the PCOA and influential factors, such as age at surgery, axial growth, and follow-up duration, were analyzed. The study was registered at register.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04803097).

RESULTS

Data of 23 patients (27 eyes) were used in the final analysis. During follow-up, the PCOA enlarged at a rate of 0.29-0.32 mm²/month during the first six months postoperatively and 0.05-0.08 mm²/month over the next 1-2 years. Six months postoperatively, the PCOA enlargement statistically and positively correlated with the follow-up duration and axial growth. The area of lens reprolifration was 0.46 ± 1.00 mm² at six months postoperatively and then remained stable.

CONCLUSION

The PCOA enlarged rapidly within the first six months after the pediatric cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation. Six months postoperatively, the enlargement of PCOA was positively correlated with follow-up duration and axial growth. Posterior capsulorhexis or capsulectomy should be performed with a diameter of 3.0 to 4.0 mm for good visual axis transparency and the protection of in-the-bag IOL.

Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy versus optic capture buttonholing without anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate long-term complications following pediatric cataract surgery with implantation of a heparin-coated PMMA IOL and posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with anterior vitrectomy versus PCCC without anterior vitrectomy with optic capture buttonholing.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Eyes with unilateral or bilateral congenital cataract without further pathologies or former surgeries were randomly assigned in two groups: cataract removal, IOL implantation and PCCC with anterior vitrectomy (AV; group A) or posterior optic buttonholing without anterior vitrectomy (optic capture, OC; group B). The main outcome measures were posterior capsule opacification (PCO), complication rates and refractive development.

RESULTS

58 eyes of 41 pediatric cataract surgery patients were included. The mean age at time of operation was 66.05 months (± 29.39). In group A (n=26), two eyes required treatment for posterior capsule opacification, whereas the optic axis remained clear in all eyes in group B (n=30), which was not statistically significant. Additionally, group B had a slightly lower rate of complications. Mean SE after a mean postoperative follow-up of 6.5 years was -0.11 ± 2.51 D (-5.0 to +4.0 D) in group A and -0.08 ± 2.14 D (-5.0 to +4.0 D) in group B, which was not statistically significant either.

CONCLUSION

Optic capture with a heparin-coated PMMA IOL proved to be a safe technique in the prevention of secondary cataract formation without a higher rate of complications and the necessity of vitrectomy.

The effect of retaining intact posterior capsule in congenital cataract surgery in children aged 4-8 years

Background

The present study sought to observe the effect of retaining intact posterior capsule in congenital cataract surgery in children aged 4–8 years.

Methods

This is a retrospective case control study. Seventy-seven children (130 eyes) aged from 4 to 8 years who underwent cataract surgery were divided into two groups. In Group A, 50 eyes underwent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy. In Group B, 80 eyes underwent cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The postoperative visual acuity and the rate of complications were compared.

Results

In all patients, cataract surgeries were performed evenly without intraoperative complications. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 42 months. No apparent visual axis opacity was detected in group A during the follow-up. By the last visit, apparent visual axis opacity was detected in 31 eyes (38.75%) in group B. Among them, 9 eyes (29.03%) with mild posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 3 eyes (9.68%) with thick proliferative membranes were treated with posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy and proliferative membranes in 19 eyes (61.29%) were completely aspired and the posterior capsule was retained. During follow-up, only 2 (6.45%) eyes had PCO recurrence and were treated with Nd:YAG laser. The visual acuity was significantly higher than that before surgery in all patients.

Conclusions

For older children, the incidence of PCO will be low even if intact posterior capsule is retained. Either Nd:YAG laser or surgical treatment for PCO will be able to maintain good vision.

Intracameral anesthetic mydriatic (ICAM) assisted pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of intracameral mydriatic and anesthetic combination for pupillary dilation in pediatric cataract surgery.

METHODS

This prospective series included children <12 years, with visually significant unilateral or bilateral cataracts planned for cataract surgery with/without intraocular lens implantation. At the beginning of surgery, 0.025 ml of a combination of phenylephrine hydrochloride (0.31%), tropicamide (0.02%), and lidocaine hydrochloride (1%) was injected intracamerally. The efficacy of the combination was tested by achieving capsulorhexis and intraocular lens implantation without additional mydriatics.

RESULTS

We recruited 13 patients (16 eyes) with a mean age of 4.1 ± 3.9 years. The mean pupillary diameter changed increased from 1.92 to 5.68 mm after injection of one unit (0.025 ml) of drug (p < 0.0001). There was a strong positive correlation of the pupillary dilation with axial length (R = 0.86) and horizontal corneal diameter (R = 0.81). Seventy-five percent patients had a pupillary diameter >6 mm and surgery could be completed successfully in all cases without additional mydriatics. In all cases, pupil dilated as the surgery progressed. No adverse event to the drug was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral mydriatic-anesthetic combination is an effective and safe way to obtain stable mydriasis in pediatric cataract surgery.