Long-term visual results in congenital cataract surgery associated with preoperative nystagmus

Background. Congenital cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blind ness in children. The prevalence of this disease is higher in developing co untries. The incidence and visual outcome of patients who have undergone co ngenital cataract surgery in Mexico is not currently known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term visual results in Mexican children with bilateral congenital cataracts associated with preoperative nystagmus. Methods. In a tertiary-level hospital, the long-term visual results of 13 c hildren (26 eyes) with bilateral congenital cataracts associated with preop erative nystagmus were evaluated. All patients had at least 5 years of foll ow-up after surgery, and all patients were subjected to an intentional opht halmologic examination. Three types of visual function were evaluated: Visu al acuity. contrast sensitivity vision, and stereoscopic vision. Age at sur gery was correlated with visual outcome. Optical rehabilitation and surgica l complications were also analyzed. Results. Our group found five patients (38%) with acceptable visual acuity levels. Eight patients (62%) were legally blind according to World Health O rganization (WHO) guidelines. Contrast sensitivity vision and stereopsis we re severely affected in all patients. We also found a high correlation betw een timing of surgery, optical rehabilitation, and visual outcome. Conclusions. Early diagnosis and treatment, in addition to adequate optical rehabilitation, are mandatory for preventing blindness secondary to congen ital cataracts in developing countries. The current state of congenital cat aract management in Mexico is also examined. (C) 2001 IMSS. Published by El sevier Science Inc.