Primary IOL implantation in children yields better visual acuity, less strabismus

Pediatric patients who underwent cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation were found to have better visual acuity and less strabismus at final follow-up than patients who underwent secondary IOL implantation, according to a study.

The retrospective study included 220 eyes of 148 patients who had surgery for pediatric cataracts. Primary posterior chamber IOL implantation was performed in 180 eyes, and secondary implantation was performed in 40 eyes. The mean age of patients at the time of primary IOL implantation was 6.84 years, and the mean age at the time of secondary IOL implantation was 8.92 years.

At final follow-up, patients in the primary IOL group had a mean best corrected visual acuity of 0.44 vs. 0.28 in the secondary IOL group (P = .013). Strabismus developed at a lower rate in the primary IOL group (23.73%) vs. the secondary IOL group (30%), but the difference was not statistically significant.

A statistically significant negative relationship between visual acuity and the development of strabismus was found in a logistic regression analysis.

“Delayed treatment of pediatric cataracts continues to be a significant problem in many countries,” the study authors said. “More attention should be paid to the early treatment and close monitoring of children with cataract.” – by Robert Linnehan

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Sefi-Yurdakul N, et al. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;doi:10.3928/01913913-20160926-01.