Posterior lens capsulectomy during primary cataract surgery in children

Concern continues about the best and safest method to surgically manage cataracts in children. Posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy with a vitreous suction cutter eliminates the need for secondary surgery. It is the best method to avoid development of amblyopia resulting from gradual posterior lens capsule opacification. However, cystoid macular edema is reported to occur more frequently with this approach as opposed to leaving the posterior lens capsule intact. Amblyopia, however, at this time may be a greater risk to final visual acuity than cystoid macular edema.