PEDIATRIC IOL IMPLANTATION - THE KKESH EXPERIENCE

Background: Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is increasingly accept ed as a means of correcting pediatric aphakia. However, few large seri es have been reported, We present our experience over the past 6 years . Methods: Charts were reviewed of 84 patients (88 eyes) 8 years old o r younger who underwent IOL implantation at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital between January 1989 and March 1995. An attempt was made to correlate visual outcome with patient variables, and refractive outcom e was assessed, Results: Despite a high percentage of patients with pe netrating trauma (24%) and a significant level of poor compliance with amblyopia treatment (33%), one third of patients saw 20/40 or better, and 60% had at least 20/80 acuity. Improved visual outcome correlated with later onset and shorter duration of opacity and compliance with occlusion therapy. The posterior capsule was left intact in the majori ty of cases; opacification occurred in 47 eyes, 25 of which required N d:YAG capsulotomy. No unexpected complications occurred. Prediction of postoperative pseudophakic refraction was within 2 diopters (D) in 70 % of patients. Conclusion: IOL implantation in appropriate children ca n be used as a safe alternative to other methods of correcting pediatr ic aphakia. Visual outcome often depends on amblyopia management. Thes e patients are appropriately followed by ophthalmologists who are expe rienced in managing amblyopia and pediatric pseudophakia.