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Change in astigmatism after temporal clear corneal cataract extraction in the pediatric population

Helene Y Lam1, Kimberly G Yen

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

The Open Ophthalmology Journal
|May 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cataract surgery using sutured temporal clear corneal incisions results in early postoperative astigmatism that decreases within the first week. This astigmatism stabilizes by 2-4 months post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Corneal Surgery

Background:

  • Cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is a common procedure in pediatric patients.
  • Clear corneal incisions are frequently used for cataract surgery.
  • Sutured temporal clear corneal incisions are a specific technique used in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the early postoperative changes in astigmatism.
  • To assess the impact of sutured temporal clear corneal incisions on astigmatism in pediatric cataract surgery patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing clear corneal cataract surgery with IOL implantation.
  • Inclusion criteria: surgery between 12/01/2005 and 11/30/2006.
  • Data collected on postoperative astigmatism at various time points.

Main Results:

  • 31 eyes of 22 pediatric patients were analyzed (mean age 6.05 years).
  • Mean postoperative astigmatism was 2.35 D on day 1, decreasing significantly to 1.45 D by week 1.
  • Astigmatism remained stable at approximately 1.48 D between months 2-4.

Conclusions:

  • Sutured temporal clear corneal incisions in pediatric cataract surgery are associated with expected postoperative astigmatism.
  • Astigmatism decreases in the early postoperative period and stabilizes over time.
  • Close follow-up is necessary to monitor astigmatism in children after cataract surgery.
Abstract

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