Paradigms for Pediatric Cataract Surgery

Pediatric cataract surgery has seen several advances in techniques, technologies, and conceptual practices. Pediatric cataract management heavily depends on a combined effort, not only from the ophthalmologist, but also the parents, the anesthetists, and the supporting staff members (eg, optometrists, orthoptists, patient coordinators). Surgical management, though critical, is not the only consideration for these children. Continuing visual rehabilitation and monitoring for complications remain key elements even after the surgery is done. Pediatric cataract surgery is a complex issue best left to surgeons who are familiar with the surgical paradigms and its long-term complications. Key components of surgery are management of posterior capsule and anterior vitreous and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. It is a preferred practice today to perform a primary posterior capsulorhexis with anterior vitrectomy in younger children (up to 3 to 5 years old). Even in older children (up to the age of 8 years), performing a posterior capsulorhexis without anterior vitrectomy is the preferred approach. Above the age of 8 years, the posterior capsule can be left intact. In-the-bag IOL implantation is almost becoming a norm for children above the age of 1 year. Though there is no universal consensus regarding the earliest age for primary IOL implantation, many surgeons increasingly prefer primary IOL implantation even in infants. Alternate approaches that can avoid anterior vitrectomy like optic capture through the posterior capsulorhexis and bag-in-the-lens are also gaining more and more popularity.