IMPLANTATION OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN CHI LDREN - FUNCTIONAL RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS

IOL implantation in childhood is still controversial. Intention: The p urpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate functional results and complications in children after IOL implantation. Methods and resu lts: Posterior chamber IOLs were implanted in 52 eyes of 45 children. Cataract extraction was necessary because of traumatic, congenital/dev elopmental and secondary lens opacities. Nine IOLs were implanted in c hildren between the ages of 1.9 and 4 years, 17 IOLs from 4 to 8 years and 26 IOLs in patients 8 to 14.3 years old. In 38 of the 52 eyes (73 %) vision improved after the surgery. Fifty-four percent had an acuit y of at least 0.5. The functional results of children more than 8 year s old were superior to those of younger patients. Children with trauma tic cataracts had better visual acuities than those with other types o f cataract. Except for secondary capsular opacities (75 %) that could not be prevented by performing a primary posterior capsulotomy or caps ulectomy and iris capture (31 %), postoperative complications were rar e.Conclusion: Favorable functional results can be achieved by IOL impl antation in children with cataracts. Many patients require secondary s urgical procedures because of capsular opacities and iris capture.