Late results of congenital cataract surgery

Generally speaking, it can be said, when considering all operated bilateral congenital cataracts, that a visual acuity of over 20/100 is found in approximately 50% of patients. In this study, 230 eyes were followed; of these 100 (43%) had an acuity of 20/60 or better and 130 (57%) had 20/100 or less. In conclusion the functional prognosis is better for incomplete cataracts than for total congenital cataracts. The main reason for this is the fact that total cataracts are often associated with cerebroretinal lesions or anomalies. The patient's age at operation and the surgical technique chosen are secondary factors. When considered from the standpoint of visual acuity, the results of congenital cataract surgery are discouraging, at least in the eyes with complete cataract. The visual prognosis could be better for total congenital cataracts if we operate on them at birth or immediately after birth.