EPOS

European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society

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TRAUMATIC CATARACT IN CHILDREN. FUNCTIONAL RESULTS.

Murta, J.N., Quadrado, M.J., Carvalheira, F., Cristovão, L., Silva, E., Lourenço, M.
Dept. of Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Purpose: To evaluate the functional results of surgical treatment of traumatic cataracts in children.
Methods: A retrospective review of 74 children (62 male and 12 female) with traumatic cataracts operated and followed at our Department from 1989 to 2001 was performed. The following parameters were evaluated: age, type of trauma, association with other ocular lesions, surgical procedure, complications and pre and post-operative visual acuity. Four groups were formed according to the age at the time of the trauma: less than 18 m, from 18 m to 5 y, 5 to 10 y and 10 to 15 y.
Results: Corneal wounds (39-53%) and iris lesions (30-41%) were the most frequent associated ocular lesions. An intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in the majority of the cases (62-84%) and penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 13 (18%). In 63 eyes (85%) initial VA was <1/10; an improvement of VA was observed in 65 (88%) and 46 (62%) had a VA>3/10. Final VA was better in older children.
Conclusion: IOL implantation showed to be a safe procedure in traumatic paediatric aphakic correction.