VISUAL FUNCTION FOLLOWING CONGENITAL CATARACT-SURGERY

To evaluate the results of congenital cataract extraction and postoper ative visual function, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 95 p atients who underwent pars plana (plicata) lensectomy or aspiration su rgery. Forty-nine percent of the patients with bilateral aphakia and 2 5% with bilateral pseudophakia had a Landolt visual acuity of 0.5 or a bove at the final visit. The figures were 31% and 66% for patients wit h unilateral aphakia and pseudophakia, respectively. Eight patients (1 6.3%) with bilateral and 2 patients (5.8%) with unilateral cataract fo r whom contact lenses were prescribed after surgery attained fine ster eopsis. Five of 8 patients (62.5%) with unilateral cataract who had in traocular lens implantation ended up with gross or fine stereopsis. We stress that very early surgery and optical correction in the sensitiv e period of binocular visual development should be instituted, especia lly in the presence of dense opacities. A good postoperative visual ou tcome can be achieved in patients undergoing late surgery if the opaci ties are light or partial in nature. We also reemphasize the importanc e of aggressive and diligent visual rehabilitation and occlusion thera py against amblyopia. Jpn J Ophthalmol 1998;42:411-416 (C) 1998 Japane se Ophthalmological Society.