EPOS

European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society

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20 Intraocular lens implantation after cataract surgery in infants under 18 weeks of age. Preliminary Results:.

Amaya, L., Russell-Eggitt, I., Taylor, D., Nischall, K.
Great Ormond Street Hospital London

Purpose:The implantation of intraocular lenses in children was contraindicated more than one decade ago. In recent years, this has become a more widespread practice, and various publications in the literature show that new surgical technologies can provide good results. However, there is no concensus as to how early lenses can be safely implanted; the majority of reviews show data from older children. Purpose of this paper is to determine the safety, risks, feasibility and complications of intraocular lens implantation in very young babies (under 20 months of age).

Methods: A prospective study to determine the safety of intraocular lenses in babies has been set up at GOSH. Selection, surgical and post-operative management are subject to the protocol established by the consultants of the department.

Results: 224 intraocular lenses have been implanted at GOSH, of which 22 have been under the age of 20 weeks. Four patients have had bilateral intraocular lens implantation. The range follow-up until April/2001 is two months to 22 months with a mean follow-up of 6 months.

Two of the babies who have had bilateral IOL implantation have developed opacification and re-growth of posterior capsule in one of the eyes in spite of posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy during the initial procedure. Both patients have required two additional pars-plana posterior capsulotomy and vitrectomy to clear the visual axis.

One additional baby has required a second surgical procedure to cut an anterior fibrous band, liberation of posterior syneakia to the intraocular lens, and posterior capsulectomy.

Conclusion:Intraocular lens implantation in very young babies can be a safe and adequate procedure to optically correct aphakia. Long term studies and larger population of babies studied are necessary to determine accurate results.

Note: Data may change since new patients will be included until the end of June.