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Glaucoma following congenital cataract surgery: an 18-year longitudinal follow-up
G Magnusson1, M Abrahamsson, J Sjöstrand
1Department of Ophthalmology, Göteborg University, Sweden. gunilla.magnusson@oft.gu.se
Insights
Congenital cataract surgery in children can lead to glaucoma, especially when performed before 10 days of age. Microphthalmus is also a significant risk factor for developing this postoperative complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment in children.
- Postoperative glaucoma is a serious complication following cataract surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of postoperative glaucoma in children treated for congenital cataracts.
- To identify risk factors associated with the development of glaucoma after cataract surgery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 137 children with congenital cataracts was studied.
- Data collected included age at surgery, surgical type, visual outcomes, intraocular pressure (IOP), optic disc status, and presence of anomalies.
- Follow-up averaged 9.6 years.
Main Results:
- Glaucoma was diagnosed in 12% of the eyes.
- Surgery performed before 10 days of age was linked to an increased risk of glaucoma.
- Microphthalmus was identified as a key risk factor.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of aphakic glaucoma remains high (10% or more) despite advancements in surgical techniques.
- No increase in late-onset glaucoma incidence was observed between the 1980s and 1990s.
Purpose:
To report the occurrence of postoperative glaucoma and to evaluate risk factors.
Methods:
Children born in four of the western counties of Sweden who were diagnosed with congenital cataracts formed a cohort (n=137). The following parameters were evaluated: age at cataract surgery; type of surgery; visual outcome; postoperative IOP; optic disc abnormalities; date of onset of the complication; number of reoperations, including treatment for secondary cataract; presence of systemic anomalies; microphthalmus; and eye-related anomalies.
Results:
A diagnosis of glaucoma was recorded for 12% of the eyes. The mean follow-up time was 9.6 years. There is a relationship between surgery before the age of 10 days and development of glaucoma. Microphthalmus is an important risk factor as well.
Conclusions:
Despite modern surgical techniques the incidence of aphakic glaucoma is 10% or higher. No time-dependent increase in the incidence of late-onset glaucoma between the 1980s and the 1990s could be proven.