USE OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN CHILDREN WITH TRAUMATIC CATARACT IN SOUTH-INDIA

Aims-To assess the long term results of intraocular lens (IOL) implant ation for traumatic cataract in young children in a developing country . Methods-Prospective hospital based study of 52 children (age 2-10 ye ars) undergoing unilateral cataract extraction and IOL insertion for t raumatic cataract performed by a single surgeon in south India. Childr en were reviewed regularly and followed up initially for 3 years. Resu lts-There were no serious operative complications. Clinically signific ant posterior capsule opacification was almost universal (92%) and FAG capsulotomy or membranectomy was performed on 48 eyes. Some degree of pupil capture affected 35% of eyes and was complete in 6%. Visual acu ity was 6/12 or better in 67% of eyes at the last follow up examinatio n. Conclusion-The visual acuity results 3 years after implantation of posterior chamber IOLs in older children with traumatic cataracts in s outh India were encouraging. In developing countries where follow up i s unreliable it is essential to plan to clear the axial part of the po sterior capsule either at the time of surgery or soon afterwards.