Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:911-915 ( August )
Use of intraocular lenses in children with traumatic cataract in
south India
Michael Eckstein,a b
P Vijayalakshmi,a
Milind Killedar,a
Clare Gilbert,b
Allen Fosterb
a Aravind Eye Hospital
and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, b Department of Preventive Ophthalmology,
Institute of Ophthalmology, London
Correspondence to: Dr Allen Foster, Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London EC1V
9EL.
Accepted for publication 26 February 1998
AIMS
To assess the
long term results of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for traumatic
cataract in young children in a developing country.
METHODSProspective
hospital based study of 52 children (age 2-10 years) undergoing
unilateral cataract extraction and IOL insertion for traumatic cataract
performed by a single surgeon in south India. Children were reviewed
regularly and followed up initially for 3 years.
RESULTSThere were no
serious operative complications. Clinically significant posterior
capsule opacification was almost universal (92%) and YAG capsulotomy
or membranectomy was performed on 48 eyes. Some degree of pupil capture
affected 35% of eyes and was complete in 6%. Visual acuity was 6/12
or better in 67% of eyes at the last follow up examination.
CONCLUSIONThe visual
acuity results 3 years after implantation of posterior chamber IOLs in
older children with traumatic cataracts in south India were
encouraging. In developing countries where follow up is unreliable it
is essential to plan to clear the axial part of the posterior capsule
either at the time of surgery or soon afterwards.
Keywords:
intraocular lens;
children;
cataract;
India
© 1998 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
