[The surgical treatment for posterior capsule opacification in children with pseudophakic eyes]

To evaluate the surgical technique and outcome of pars plana capsulotomy and vitrectomy with infusion through the limbus to remove the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in children with pseudophakic eyes.

This technique was performed in 51 cases (57 eyes) of complicated PCO with pseudophakic eyes, which was almost impossible to remove through the Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Pre- and post-operative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, density of cornea endothelium and complications during and after the operation were observed. The mean follow up time was 30 months.

The central opaque posterior capsule and anterior vitreous were successfully removed in all patients without complication. A round hole with 3-4 mm diameter was obtained at the central part of the posterior capsule. In all 57 eyes, a clear visual axis was obtained. The visual acuity in all patients was improved and achieved the best level in their history. Visual acuity equal to or better than 0.3 was obtained in 51.9% of all eyes at 3 months. There were no complications during the postoperative follow-up period, such as dislocation or damage of the IOL, corneal edema, vitreous prolapse, retina detachment and reocclusion of the visual axis.

Pars plana capsulotomy and vitrectomy with infusion through the limbus is a safe and effective procedure to remove the PCO in pseudophakic eye, especially for the cases with dense and thick opaque capsule formed after IOL implantation in the children, which cannot be removed through the Nd:YAG capsulotomy.