Anterior vitrectomy reduces PCO in pediatric cataract in the very young

PARIS — Primary anterior vitrectomy is not recommended for older children with pediatric cataracts, but “it is needed” in children under 5, according to a speaker here who reviewed the literature on the subject.

Maria Kugelberg, MD, described several surgical methods currently employed to try to limit posterior capsular opacification after pediatric cataract surgery, including primary anterior vitrectomy and posterior capsulorrhexis with or without optic capture. She presented an overview of the subject here at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

Anterior vitrectomy can be performed either via the pars plana or through the pupil and the two capsulorrhexes, Dr. Kugelberg said.

Both anterior and posterior capsulorrhexis should be performed in all children to best prevent PCO, she said.

“In younger children, those under 5, we found if there was no anterior vitrectomy performed, five of our eight patients required a secondary procedure,” Dr. Kugelberg said. Of 10 other patients who underwent anterior vitrectomy, “none needed a secondary procedure,” she said.