Visual Outcomes and Complications After Lensectomy for Traumatic Cataract in Children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Eye Care
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic pediatric cataracts are a less common cause of childhood cataracts requiring surgical intervention.
• The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group Cataract Registry was established to assess outcomes after lensectomy for pediatric cataracts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate visual acuity and the incidence of strabismus, glaucoma, and other ocular complications within 15 months following lensectomy for traumatic cataract in children under 13.
• To provide data on the visual outcomes and morbidity associated with traumatic pediatric cataracts.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational registry enrolled 1266 eyes of 994 children undergoing lensectomy.
• A cohort of 74 eyes from 72 children with traumatic cataracts was analyzed.
• Data collection included visual acuity and ocular complications up to 15 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Of the registry participants, 8% had traumatic cataracts.
• Median best-corrected visual acuity at 15 months was 20/63 in pseudophakic eyes and 20/250 in aphakic eyes (in children aged 3+).
• High rates of visual axis opacification (77%), strabismus (43%), and a notable incidence of glaucoma (6%) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Traumatic cataract is an infrequent indication for pediatric lensectomy.
• Children with traumatic cataracts face substantial risks of permanent vision loss and ocular complications like glaucoma and strabismus.
• Long-term monitoring is crucial for managing these complications in affected children.