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Myopic shift after cataract removal in childhood
1Department of Ophthalmology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Calif, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Children undergoing cataract removal experience a myopic shift as they age. This study found that while age at surgery and unilateral cataracts slightly influence the rate of this myopic shift, individual variation remains significant.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Refractive Error Research
Background:
- Children with aphakia post-cataract removal often exhibit a progressive myopic shift.
- Understanding factors influencing this myopic shift is crucial for managing pediatric visual development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of age at surgery, cataract type, and other factors on the rate of myopic shift in children after cataract removal.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 156 aphakic eyes in children who had cataract surgery before age 10.
- Refractive data collected for over 3 years, with corrections via contact lenses and spectacles.
- Stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify significant factors affecting the rate of myopic shift.
Main Results:
- Aphakic refraction showed a significant logarithmic decline with age (P < 0.01).
- Age at surgery had a small but statistically significant effect on the myopic shift rate (P < 0.01).
- Unilateral cataract eyes demonstrated a trend towards a greater myopic shift rate compared to bilateral cases (P = 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The rate of myopic shift in pediatric aphakia follows a logarithmic pattern with age.
- Age at surgery and unilateral versus bilateral cataract status are minor determinants of the myopic shift rate.
- Significant individual variability in the rate of myopic shift exists, with factors like cataract type and glaucoma having minimal impact.