[Surgical treatment options for congenital/infantile corneal opacities and anterior segment dysgenesis]

Due to the risk of amblyopia congenital and infantile corneal opacities have a narrow therapeutic window, frequently with a complex surgical treatment.

The present study gives an overview of the current treatment options for congenital and infantile corneal opacities.

The results of a literature search are presented and own clinical data and examples are shown.

In children ophthalmologic operations are surgically more demanding and the prognosis is generally worse. Surgical options include phototherapeutic keratectomy, crosslinking, corneal sutures, sectoral iridectomy, block excision and lamellar, penetrating, and auto-keratoplasty. An equally important part of the treatment is conservative treatment, when necessary with bandage lenses, glasses, contact lenses and occlusion.

Whenever possible treatment of congenital and infantile corneal opacities should be limited to the affected layers/areas. Nevertheless, children and parents have to be prepared for many examinations, sometimes with the patient under anesthesia and should be well-informed about the prognosis and the risks.