Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Rotating the Intraocular Lens to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification in Cataract Surgeries
Published on: July 7, 2023
Incidence, management, and postoperative outcomes in pediatric eyes with coexisting posterior capsule plaque and
Mamidipudi R Praveen1, Sajani K Shah, Abhay R Vasavada
1Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Raghudeep Eye Clinic, Ahmedabad, India.
Insights
Posterior capsule plaque is common in pediatric cataract surgery, occurring in 13.4% of eyes. Management via plaque peeling or vitrectomy resulted in stable intraocular lenses and clear visual axes post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Cataract Surgery
Background:
- Posterior capsule plaque is a known complication following pediatric cataract surgery.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for optimal visual outcomes in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of posterior capsule plaque in pediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery.
- To evaluate the management techniques and postoperative outcomes associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study was conducted at Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, evaluating children aged 1 month to 15 years.
- Posterior capsule plaque was managed by plaque peeling or posterior vitrectorhexis.
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) were implanted, and postoperative outcomes included visual axis obscuration and IOL decentration.
Main Results:
- Posterior capsule plaque was observed in 90 (13.4%) of 670 pediatric eyes.
- Plaque peeling was performed in 45.5% and vitrectomy in 54.4% of affected eyes.
- No IOL decentration occurred postoperatively, and visual axis obscuration developed in 6.7% of eyes.
Conclusions:
- Posterior capsule plaque is frequently observed in pediatric cataract surgery, particularly in total cataracts.
- Management with plaque peeling or vitrectomy leads to stable IOL implantation.
- Clear visual axes are achievable following surgical intervention for posterior capsule plaque.
Purpose:
To determine the incidence and evaluate the management and postoperative outcomes of posterior capsule plaque in pediatric eyes with cataract.
Setting:
Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India.
Design:
Cohort study.
Methods:
This study evaluated consecutive eyes of children aged 1 month to 15 years having cataract surgery. In cases of posterior capsule plaque, plaque peeling (smaller plaque) or posterior vitrectorhexis (larger plaque) was performed. Intraocular lenses (IOLs) were implanted in all except microphthalmic eyes. The postoperative observations included visual axis obscuration and IOL decentration.
Results:
Posterior capsule plaque was observed in 90 (13.4%) of 670 eyes (63 [13.2%] of 475 children). Of eyes with posterior capsule plaque, 70 had total white mature cataract and 20 had posterior subcapsular cataract. Plaque peeling was performed in 41 eyes (45.5%) and partial excision of the plaque with a vitrectome in 49 eyes (54.4%). The mean follow-up was 24.03 months ± 2.68 (SD). Of the 60 eyes that had an IOL, 54 (90%) had in-the-bag implantation and 6 (10%) had ciliary sulcus implantation. Postoperatively, there was no IOL decentration. Visual axis obscuration developed in 6 eyes (6.7%).
Conclusions:
Posterior capsule plaque was frequently observed in pediatric cataractous eyes, especially in eyes with total cataract. After plaque peeling or plaque removal with a vitrectome, the IOL was stable in the capsular bag and the visual axis was clear.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...