Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Glaucoma after pediatric cataract surgery in a population with limited access to care
Craig Baden1, Fortunate Shija, Susan Lewallen
1University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. craigbaden@gmail.com
Insights
Pediatric cataract surgery in Africa carries a significant risk of developing glaucoma. Long-term follow-up is crucial for children undergoing this sight-saving procedure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood cataract is a primary cause of blindness in Eastern Africa.
- Limited data exists on glaucoma incidence post-pediatric cataract surgery in Africa.
- High-quality surgical centers are addressing this challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of postoperative glaucoma after pediatric cataract surgery in Africa.
- To identify predictors of glaucoma in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children undergoing cataract surgery (2003-2005).
- Analysis of postoperative glaucoma incidence.
- Logistic regression used to assess potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- Cumulative glaucoma incidence at 3 years was 6.5%.
- Annual incidence rate was 2.0 cases per 100 operated eyes.
- Longer follow-up time and lack of primary intraocular lens implantation showed correlation with glaucoma risk, but not independently.
Conclusions:
- Increased cataract surgical rates necessitate enhanced long-term postoperative care for pediatric patients.
- Continued progress in pediatric ophthalmology centers in Africa is vital.
- Focus on long-term outcomes is essential for Vision 2020 goals.
Background:
Cataract is a leading cause of childhood blindness in eastern Africa and other resource-constrained regions around the world, and high-quality surgical centers are increasingly responding to this challenge. Despite evidence concerning the ongoing risk of postoperative glaucoma after lensectomy, little is known of the incidence of glaucoma after pediatric cataract surgery in Africa. We sought to evaluate the frequency and predictors of postoperative glaucoma in this setting.
Methods:
The medical records of all children who underwent surgery for congenital or developmental cataract between 2003 and 2005 at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence of postoperative glaucoma. Potential risk factors were evaluated by means of logistic regression.
Results:
Cumulative incidence of glaucoma at 3 years was 6.5% (95% CI, 2.5-16.0), and the annual incidence rate was 2.0 cases per 100 operated eyes (95% confidence interval, 0.74-4.37). Total time of follow-up and absence of primary intraocular lens implantation correlated with risk for postoperative glaucoma, but multivariate analysis could not confirm independent associations.
Conclusions:
As cataract surgical rates continue to increase and pediatric ophthalmology centers in Africa progress toward the goals of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, renewed efforts must be directed toward the long-term postoperative care of all children undergoing operation for pediatric cataract.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...