Pediatric cataract surgery: Operative and postoperative issues

Abstract

• Surgical management of cataracts in children is markedly different from adults. Children have reduced scleral and corneal rigidity, more inflammation after surgery, and a propensity to develop reopacification of the visual axis. • For proper management of the anterior and posterior capsule in children, technique changes have been made that are unique to pediatric surgery. Vitrectomy instrumentation is used extensively in childhood cataract surgery. • The best surgical techniques for children will evolve most efficiently with optimal cooperation and collaboration between pediatric ophthalmologists and adult cataract surgeons. This way, new adulttested techniques can be selectively utilized for pediatric surgery. • The approach chosen to correct aphakia plays an important role in the outcome of pediatric cataract surgery. Intraocular lens power selection is a complex decision based on eye growth projections and the management of amblyopia. • When cataract surgery is required in the early years of life, complications such as glaucoma and visual axis opacification are frequent. These patients must be monitored and may need examinations under anesthesia during the higher risk years. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.