Cataract Surgery in Children from Birth to Less than 13 Years of Age: Baseline Characteristics of the Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To describe baseline characteristics, initial postoperative refractive errors, operative complications, and magnitude of the intraocular lens (IOL) prediction error for refractive outcome in children undergoing lensectomy largely in North America. DESIGN: Prospective registry study of children from birth to <13 years of age who underwent lensectomy for any reason within 45 days preceding enrollment. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 1266 eyes of 994 children; 49% female and 59% white. METHODS: Measurement of refractive error, axial length, and complete ophthalmic examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Eye and systemic associated conditions, IOL style, refractive error, pseudophakic refraction prediction error, operative and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Mean age at first eligible lens surgery was 4.2 years; 337 (34%) were <1 year of age. Unilateral surgery was performed in 584 children (59%). Additional ocular abnormalities were noted in 301 eyes (24%). An IOL was placed in 35 of 460 eyes (8%) when surgery was performed before 1 year of age, in 70 of 90 eyes (78%) from 1 to <2 years of age, and in 645 of 716 eyes (90%) from 2 to <13 years of age. The odds of IOL implantation were greater in children ≥2 years of age than in those <2 years of age (odds ratio = 29.1; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 19.6-43.3). Intraoperative complications were reported for 69 eyes (5%), with the most common being unplanned posterior capsule rupture in 14 eyes, 10 of which had an IOL placed. Prediction error of the implanted IOL was <1.00 diopter in 54% of eyes, but >2.00 diopters in 15% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Lensectomy surgery was performed throughout childhood, with about two-thirds of cases performed after 1 year of age. Initial surgery seemed safe, with a low complication rate. IOL placement was nearly universal in children 2 years of age and older. The immediate postoperative refraction was within 1 diopter of the target for about one-half of eyes.

Predictors of Good Motor and Sensory Outcomes Following Strabismus Surgery for Patients with Third Nerve Palsies.

Strabismus from third nerve palsy (3NP) is difficult to treat. Our goal was to explore factors associated with successful surgical outcomes in 3NP. Institutional records of all adult patients (>18 years) from 1988 to 2012 with 3NP who underwent strabismus surgery or botulinum toxin injections were retrospectively reviewed. Success was defined as absence of diplopia, vertical deviation ≤2 prism dioptres (PD), and horizontal deviation ≤10 PD. Fifty-six patients from four surgeons were included. Thirty (54%) were female; mean age was 48 (range: 20-80). Forty-four (79%) had unilateral 3NP; 9 (16%) had other ocular motor nerve palsies. 3NP were complete in 24 (43%). Underlying aetiology was idiopathic/microvascular in 5 (9%), traumatic in 13 (23%), neoplastic in 12 (21%), aneurysmal in 10 (18%), and other central nervous system related in 16 (29%). Trauma was associated more frequently with aberrant regeneration than other aetiologies: 9/13 (69%) versus 4/43 (9%) (p < 0.01). Ten patients (18%) had >1 surgery. Surgical success was achieved in 28/56 (50%). Success rate was unaffected by aetiology, degree of palsy, pupillary involvement, presence of aberrant regeneration, or number of other cranial nerves involved. However, adjustable sutures were used in 27 patients (48%), and there was a trend toward higher success rates when adjustable versus nonadjustable sutures were used (63% versus 38%; p = 0.06). Unlike with sixth nerve palsies, the aetiology and degree of 3NP does not appear to affect the success rates or number of procedures performed. Strabismus surgeries for 3NP with adjustable sutures may be associated with better outcomes.

Functional and Motor Outcomes of Strabismus Surgery for Chronic Isolated Adult Sixth Nerve Palsy.

Abducens nerve palsy is the most common acquired ocular motor nerve palsy in adults. Chronic cases of abducens palsy often require surgical intervention to relieve disabling diplopia. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with surgical outcomes in isolated abducens palsy. Medical records of all adult patients from 1988 to 2012 with abducens palsies who underwent strabismus procedures were retrospectively reviewed. Motor alignment, extraocular motility, and sensory outcomes were recorded. Success was defined as absence of diplopia without prisms or face turn, vertical deviation ≤2 prism dioptres (PD), and horizontal deviation ≤10 PD. Eighty-one patients (age range: 20-86 years) met inclusion criteria. Success was achieved in 58% of patients. Final success rates for abducens palsy were 50% for neoplastic, 59% traumatic, 57% for microvascular/unknown, and 67% for other central nervous system causes (p > 0.05). Patients with an underlying neoplastic or traumatic aetiology required more than one strabismus procedure more often than those with microvascular/idiopathic or other central nervous system causes (48% vs. 24%; p = 0.03). For complete abducens palsies, patients who underwent Hummelsheim-type procedures had a higher success rate than those who underwent a full-tendon vertical rectus muscle transposition. (78% versus 35%; p = 0.049). Success rates for strabismus procedures in patients with abducens palsies are similar across all aetiologies. Frequency of re-operation is higher among those patients with neoplastic or traumatic aetiologies for their abducens palsies. Hummelsheim-type procedures have a higher success rate for complete abducens palsies than full-tendon vertical rectus transpositions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Genetic Testing Results in Children With Congenital Corneal Opacities.

PURPOSE: This study investigates brain and globe abnormalities identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with congenital corneal opacities (CCO). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Clinical notes, radiology records, and genetic testing results were reviewed for patients diagnosed with corneal opacification within the first 6 months of life at a tertiary referral academic center between August 2008 and January 2018. Ocular findings, systemic anomalies, neuroimaging, and genetic testing results were summarized. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients presenting at age 1 day to 12 years (mean age, 1 year) were identified. Children with bilateral CCO were more likely to have systemic disease (P = 0.018). Of the entire cohort, 43 (31.8%) patients received MRI, of whom 27 (62.8%) had abnormal brain findings and 30 (69.7%) had abnormal orbital findings. The most common abnormal brain findings were ventriculomegaly (n = 16, 59.2%) and corpus callosum abnormalities (n = 10, 37.0%) followed by brainstem/pons anomalies (n = 5, 18.5%), and cerebellar anomalies (n = 2, 7.4%). Abnormal brain MRI findings were associated with the presence of neurologic (P = .003) and craniofacial (P = .034) disease. A total of 44 (32.1%) patients underwent genetic testing, of whom 29 (65.9%) had pathogenic results. CONCLUSIONS: More than 60% of the children with CCO who underwent MRI had abnormal brain and orbit findings that were correlated with significant neurologic disease. Furthermore, almost two-thirds of patients with CCO who underwent genetic testing had pathogenic results. These data demonstrate the value of systemic workup in children with CCO, and highlight the role of ophthalmologists in facilitating the diagnosis of systemic comorbidities associated with CCO.

Low-Dose 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops vs Placebo for Myopia Control: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Controlling myopia progression is of interest worldwide. Low-dose atropine eye drops have slowed progression in children in East Asia. Objective: To compare atropine, 0.01%, eye drops with placebo for slowing myopia progression in US children. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a randomized placebo-controlled, double-masked, clinical trial conducted from June 2018 to September 2022. Children aged 5 to 12 years were recruited from 12 community- and institution-based practices in the US. Participating children had low to moderate bilateral myopia (-1.00 diopters [D] to -6.00 D spherical equivalent refractive error [SER]). Intervention: Eligible children were randomly assigned 2:1 to 1 eye drop of atropine, 0.01%, nightly or 1 drop of placebo. Treatment was for 24 months followed by 6 months of observation. Main Outcome and Measures: Automated cycloplegic refraction was performed by masked examiners. The primary outcome was change in SER (mean of both eyes) from baseline to 24 months (receiving treatment); other outcomes included change in SER from baseline to 30 months (not receiving treatment) and change in axial length at both time points. Differences were calculated as atropine minus placebo. Results: A total of 187 children (mean [SD] age, 10.1 [1.8] years; age range, 5.1-12.9 years; 101 female [54%]; 34 Black [18%], 20 East Asian [11%], 30 Hispanic or Latino [16%], 11 multiracial [6%], 6 West/South Asian [3%], 86 White [46%]) were included in the study. A total of 125 children (67%) received atropine, 0.01%, and 62 children (33%) received placebo. Follow-up was completed at 24 months by 119 of 125 children (95%) in the atropine group and 58 of 62 children (94%) in the placebo group. At 30 months, follow-up was completed by 118 of 125 children (94%) in the atropine group and 57 of 62 children (92%) in the placebo group. At the 24-month primary outcome visit, the adjusted mean (95% CI) change in SER from baseline was -0.82 (-0.96 to -0.68) D and -0.80 (-0.98 to -0.62) D in the atropine and placebo groups, respectively (adjusted difference = -0.02 D; 95% CI, -0.19 to +0.15 D; P = .83). At 30 months (6 months not receiving treatment), the adjusted difference in mean SER change from baseline was -0.04 D (95% CI, -0.25 to +0.17 D). Adjusted mean (95% CI) changes in axial length from baseline to 24 months were 0.44 (0.39-0.50) mm and 0.45 (0.37-0.52) mm in the atropine and placebo groups, respectively (adjusted difference = -0.002 mm; 95% CI, -0.106 to 0.102 mm). Adjusted difference in mean axial elongation from baseline to 30 months was +0.009 mm (95% CI, -0.115 to 0.134 mm). Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial of school-aged children in the US with low to moderate myopia, atropine, 0.01%, eye drops administered nightly when compared with placebo did not slow myopia progression or axial elongation. These results do not support use of atropine, 0.01%, eye drops to slow myopia progression or axial elongation in US children. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03334253.

Prevalence of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis among patients diagnosed with early-onset idiopathic bilateral cataracts: final analysis.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, autosomal recessive bile acid synthesis disorder caused by pathologic variants in CYP27A1, a gene involved in bile acid synthesis. Impaired function in this gene leads to accumulation of plasma cholestanol (PC) in various tissues, often in early childhood, resulting in such clinical signs as infantile diarrhea, early-onset bilateral cataracts, and neurological deterioration. The current study aimed to identify cases of CTX in a population of patients with a greater CTX prevalence than the general population, to facilitate early diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with early-onset, apparently idiopathic, bilateral cataracts between the ages of 2 and 21 years were enrolled. Genetic testing of patients with elevated PC and urinary bile alcohol (UBA) levels was used to confirm CTX diagnosis and determine CTX prevalence. Of 426 patients who completed the study, 26 met genetic testing criteria (PC ≥ 0.4 mg/dL and positive UBA test), and 4 were confirmed to have CTX. Prevalence was found to be 0.9% in enrolled patients, and 15.4% in patients who met the criteria for genetic testing.

Congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes: clinical and histopathologic findings.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical and histopathologic findings associated with congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes. DESIGN: Case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seven infants were included, 6 with a unilateral congenital pupillary membrane and 1 with classic persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). METHODS: Patients underwent a membranectomy, pupilloplasty, or lensectomy. Histopathologic examination was performed on the excised membranes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and pupil size. RESULTS: Four of the 6 patients with a unilateral congenital pupillary membrane had 1 or more recurrences after a membranectomy and pupilloplasty. The most recent pupil size ranged from 2 to 5 mm in the affected eye. When last tested, the vision in the affected eye was excellent in 4 of the 6 patients. The 2 patients without recurrences of the pupillary membranes underwent multiple iris sphincterotomies at the time of the initial surgery. Histopathologic examination of 2 primary pupillary membranes showed fibrovascular tissue that did not stain for neuron-specific enolase. Smooth muscle actin was only present in vascular walls. In contrast, histopathology of a recurrent pupillary membrane revealed collagenized fibrovascular tissue that was immunoreactive for smooth muscle actin. Finally, histopathology of the retrolenticular membrane excised from an infant with classic PFV was similar to the latter aside from hypercellularity. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital fibrovascular pupillary membranes in infants are likely a variant of PFV that may recur if incompletely excised. The risk of these membranes recurring may be reduced by excising as much as the membrane as possible and enlarging the pupil with iris sphincterotomies. A lensectomy should be avoided if possible.

Current management of infantile cataracts.

Infantile cataracts remain one of the most treatable causes of lifelong visual impairment. While the chance of improving vision for children with infantile cataracts has never been better, significant global and socioeconomic disparities still exist in their early management. Recent epidemiological studies reveal a stable prevalence of infantile cataracts in high-income countries and highlight challenges in determining the prevalence of infantile cataracts in low-income countries. Detailed descriptions of cataract morphology may inform us as to etiology, provide guidance with regards to surgical approach, and have prognostic value. Molecular genetics is providing new insights into the hereditary bases and potential systemic associations of infantile cataracts. For visually significant infantile cataracts requiring surgery to clear the visual axis, surgical techniques continue to evolve based on the experiences and research efforts of skilled teams worldwide. The most common complications of cataract surgery performed in infancy are visual axis opacification and, in about a third of patients, the long-term development of glaucoma. Children with unilateral cataracts generally see well given the presence of a healthy fellow eye. Better visual outcomes in operated eyes, however, are achieved in the setting of early presentation, bilateral infantile cataracts, absence of nystagmus or strabismus, and consistent amblyopia therapy. While intraocular lenses for infants less than 6 months can result in good visual outcomes, contact lenses may be preferred in situations in which they are available and practical. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of early surgery for infantile cataract. We must strive for the continued evolution of technologies and strategies that have the potential to further improve these outcomes.

Detecting Keratoconus: Feasibility and Findings in Three Pediatric Risk Groups.

PURPOSE: To investigate the utility of three corneal screening devices in three groups of children. METHODS: This was a prospective study of patients with Trisomy 21 (group 1), patients with a first-degree relative with keratoconus (group 2), and control patients (group 3). Informed consent was obtained before testing with the Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH), Orbscan (Orbscan, Inc), and Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) (Ametek Reichart Technologies). The ability to complete tests, the quality of results, and the corneal parameters obtained for each eye were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance test was used to compare the results between the three groups. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients aged from 7 to 17 years (mean: 11.74 years) were enrolled between July 2014 and July 2016. The number of patients and the percentage of tests completed for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 12 (55%), 21 (87%), and 21 (88%), respectively. The Pentacam values by group were central corneal thickness of 524, 543, and 542 µm (P = .36); thinnest point of 498, 536, and 534 µm (P = .03); corneal front mean keratometry of 44.9, 43.2, and 43.2 (P = .01); and quality score of 1.42, 0.22, and 0.04 (P < .0001), respectively. Orbscan values by group were central corneal thickness of 493, 551, and 550 µm (P = .01) and thinnest point of 451, 536, and 538 µm (P < .0001), respectively. ORA values by group were corneal hysteresis of 10.6, 12.1, and 11.6 (P = .124); corneal resistance factor of 9.9, 11.8, and 11.6 (P = .03); and waveform score of 5.6, 7.6, and 7.3 (P < .0001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in group 1 completed fewer tests reliably and had thinner corneas and lower corneal resistance factors than patients in groups 2 and 3. Corneal tests used to evaluate adults for keratoconus may not be reliable for the evaluation of certain high-risk pediatric patients. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(2):94-101.].

PROLIFERATIVE RETINOPATHY IN A 13-YEAR-OLD WITH ADAMS-OLIVER SYNDROME.

PURPOSE: Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare, inherited disorder of embryologic development that affects multiple systems. Ocular manifestations have been poorly characterized because of the low prevalence and high mortality of the disease when it is associated with internal organ and/or ophthalmic manifestations. We present a case of Adams-Oliver syndrome in a 13-year-old patient whose multimodal retinal imaging findings helped direct management. METHODS: Single patient case report reviewing medical records and imaging. RESULTS: Visual acuity upon presentation was 20/40 in each eye. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography revealed peripheral nonperfusion with terminal vascular bulbs, and leakage from a temporal fibrovascular complex in the left eye. Fundus autofluorescence imaging showed hyperautofluorescence associated with optic disc drusen and the fibrovascular complex. Treatment with targeted laser photocoagulation was associated with regression of the neovascularization. CONCLUSION: Retinal manifestations of Adams-Oliver syndrome as observed with ultra-widefield fundus imaging may resemble those of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Treatment of avascular retina with panretinal photocoagulation can be considered.

Visual Outcomes and Complications After Lensectomy for Traumatic Cataract in Children.

IMPORTANCE: The Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group Cataract Registry provides a multicenter assessment of visual outcomes and complications after lensectomy for traumatic pediatric cataract. OBJECTIVE: To report visual acuity (VA) and the cumulative proportion with strabismus, glaucoma, and other ocular complications by 15 months after lensectomy for traumatic cataract among children younger than 13 years at the time of surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From June 18, 2012, to July 8, 2015, 1266 eyes of 994 children from 33 pediatric eye care practices seen within 45 days after lensectomy were enrolled in a multicenter, prospective observational registry. Of these, 74 eyes of 72 participants undergoing lensectomy for traumatic cataract were included in a cohort study. Follow-up was completed by November 2, 2015, and data were analyzed from March 20, 2018, to July 7, 2020. EXPOSURES: Lensectomy after ocular trauma. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Best-corrected VA from 9 to 15 months after lensectomy for traumatic cataract (for those 3 years or older) and the cumulative proportion with strabismus, glaucoma, and other ocular complications by 15 months. RESULTS: Of 994 participants in the registry, 84 (8%) had traumatic cataract. The median age at lensectomy for 72 participants examined within 15 months after surgery was 7.3 (range, 0.1-12.6) years; 46 (64%) were boys. An intraocular lens was placed in 57 of 74 eyes (77%). In children 3 years or older at outcome, the median best-corrected VA was 20/250 (range, 20/20 to worse than 20/800) in 6 eyes with aphakia and 20/63 (range, 20/20 to 20/200) in 26 eyes with pseudophakia. Postoperative visual axis opacification was reported in 18 of 27 eyes with pseudophakia without primary posterior capsulotomy (15-month cumulative proportion, 77%; 95% CI, 58%-92%). The cumulative proportion with strabismus was 43% (95% CI, 31%-58%) in 64 participants with ocular alignment data; exotropia was present in 14 of 23 participants (61%). The cumulative proportion with glaucoma was 6% (95% CI, 2%-16%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Trauma was not a common cause of pediatric cataract requiring surgery. For children with traumatic cataract, substantial ocular morbidity including permanent vision loss was found, and long-term eye and vision monitoring are needed for glaucoma, strabismus, and capsular opacification.

Intracranial vascular anomalies in patients with morning glory disk anomaly.

PURPOSE: An association between morning glory disk anomaly (MGDA) and intracranial vascular anomalies including Moyamoya disease has been recognized. We evaluated a series of patients with MGDA to ascertain the frequency of cerebrovascular anomalies. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: We reviewed the neurologic histories and neuroimaging studies of twenty patients with MGDA at two institutions between 1982 and 2004. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain was performed on all patients who had not undergone neuroimaging. MRI/MRA studies done for 40 pediatric patients without MGDA were also evaluated for cerebrovascular anomalies. The prevalence of anomalies in the two groups was compared by Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Nine of 20 patients (45%) with MGDA had cerebrovascular anomalies. Anomalies ranged from agenesis of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery to bilateral stenosis of the internal carotid arteries with moyamoya disease. Three patients underwent revascularization procedures. Ten of 40 patients (25%) in the control group had any intracranial vascular anomaly, whereas only two of 40 (5%) had an abnormality of the anterior circulation, the most common finding in the MGDA group. CONCLUSION: We recommend that all patients with MGDA undergo MRI/MRA or computerized tomographic angiography to detect vascular and structural brain anomalies. It may be unclear whether cerebrovascular anomalies represent isolated congenital anomalies or findings of progressive occlusive cerebrovascular disease. Follow-up imaging should be considered in patients with cerebrovascular anomalies and is clearly indicated if neurologic signs or symptoms are present.

Cataract secondary to self-inflicted blunt trauma in children with autism spectrum disorder.

We report 3 cases of bilateral cataract secondary to self-inflicted blunt eye trauma in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All 3 children hit their foreheads, orbits, or globes repeatedly for long periods of time and developed cataracts. Clinicians must be aware of this phenomenon to diagnose ocular pathology early and to provide adequate education, counseling, and services to affected patients and their families and to put appropriate postoperative care mechanisms in place to prevent permanent ocular damage.

Global challenges in the management of congenital cataract: proceedings of the 4th International Congenital Cataract Symposium held on March 7, 2014, New York, New York.

Childhood cataracts have become a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in many areas of the world. Here we summarize regional focus group discussions from the 4th Annual International Congenital Cataract Symposium on the current situation, challenges, and recommendations for the management of congenital cataracts in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, Central America, South America, and developed nations. Strategies for managing congenital cataracts must be adapted and developed according to regional conditions. A basic framework for acceptable outcomes must focus on developing systems to address the critical components of education, access, quality care, and good follow-up.

The cost-effectiveness of different strategies to evaluate optic disk drusen in children.

PURPOSE: To compare the costs of diagnostic work-up for optic disk drusen where ophthalmic ultrasound was performed prior to imaging and invasive studies with those where ophthalmic ultrasound was performed after such studies. METHODS: The medical records of patients <18 years of age evaluated at a tertiary referral center between 2007 and 2012 for "swollen" optic nerves were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measure was cost of diagnostic work-up according to Georgia Medicaid global reimbursement rates. RESULTS: A total of 46 children with a B-scan ultrasound-confirmed diagnosis of calcified optic disk drusen were included. Neuroimaging was performed in 23 patients, of whom 20 had the study prior to ophthalmic ultrasound. The mean cost of evaluations for patients undergoing ancillary testing prior to ophthalmic ultrasound was $1,173; for those undergoing ancillary testing after, $305. CONCLUSIONS: Because optic disk drusen can mimic the appearance of papilledema, it is more cost-effective to perform ophthalmic ultrasonography prior to neuroimaging, especially when the patient is asymptomatic. If ophthalmic ultrasonography confirms the presence of drusen, it is more cost-effective to reassess the clinical picture before proceeding with further tests.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing optic nerve hypoplasia.

PURPOSE: To establish objective lower limits of normal optic nerve (ON) size in children based on high-resolution orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DESIGN: Case-control study of patients with ON hypoplasia vs normal controls. METHODS: A neuroradiologist made 4 measurements of each ON at 2 locations (5 mm posterior to the optic disc and just posterior to the optic canal) in patients with ON hypoplasia and controls aged 0-17 years from an academic eye center and children's hospital. Primary analyses were performed using mixed linear models. RESULTS: Measurements were made in 26 cases of clinically confirmed ON hypoplasia and 31 controls (median age: ON hypoplasia, 1 year; controls, 5.5 years). Nine of 26 cases (35%) and 19 of 31 controls (61%) underwent high-resolution T2-weighted imaging of the orbits. Mean ON diameter was 1.36 mm (95% CI: 1.19-1.54; P < .001) smaller for clinically hypoplastic ONs than for controls. Optic nerve diameter increased by 0.05 mm per year of age (95% CI: 0.03-0.07; P < .001). A lower bound to the 95% prediction interval for normal optic nerves was (2.24 mm + 0.052 × [age in years]) mm and excluded all but 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Age was independently associated with normal ON size by MRI and should be taken into consideration when evaluating ON hypoplasia, based on MRI criteria. We have provided a formula to assist clinicians in objectively determining if ON hypoplasia is present.

A cost analysis of pediatric cataract surgery at two child eye health tertiary facilities in Africa.

PURPOSE: To determine the direct cost of pediatric cataract surgery at two child eye health tertiary facilities (CEHTFs) in Africa. METHODS: The direct cost of pediatric cataract surgery was determined by reviewing data collected from two CEHTFs in Zambia and Malawi. Inventory, cost, and usage data of all durable medical equipment, consumable equipment, personnel, and medications were collected and the direct cost per child calculated. RESULTS: For cataract surgery and related treatment during 2011, the total cost per child was calculated to be $202 for Malawi and $277 for Zambia using figures derived from estimating labor cost allocation proportional to employee time devoted to pediatric cataract management. The one-time equipment cost totaled $178,121 for Malawi and $179,832 for Zambia. CONCLUSIONS: These cost estimates may serve as a basis for economic decisions aimed at improving access to care, management, and follow-up for children with cataract and provide useful insights for programs dedicated to promoting organizational and financial sustainability for CEHTFs in Africa.

Visual outcome after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in an 8-month-old with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy.

Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) has rapidly become the standard of care for endothelial dysfunction of the cornea in adults. There are few reports of DSAEK in children and infants, mainly because most pediatric corneal opacities are full-thickness and therefore not amenable to lamellar procedures but also because of the unique difficulties of performing this procedure in the youngest patients. We report the case of an 8-month-old girl who underwent DSAEK for congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy. At 24 months' follow-up, her visual acuity was 20/40 in the operated eye. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an objective visual outcome in a child with DSAEK performed in infancy.

Augmented Hummelsheim procedure to treat complete abducens nerve palsy.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal strabismus due to a weak rectus muscle can be treated with an augmented Hummelsheim procedure, in which both vertical rectus muscle tendons are split, resected by 4 mm, and reattached to the sclera adjacent to the weak rectus muscle. Compared with vertical rectus transposition, the procedure spares two ciliary vessels and does not require placement of augmentation sutures. In this study, we evaluated binocular alignment and ocular motility in patients with abducens nerve palsy treated with an augmented Hummelsheim procedure. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients with complete abducens nerve palsy who underwent the augmented Hummelsheim procedure, usually combined with medial rectus muscle recession, were retrospectively reviewed. Binocular alignment, ocular motility, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients (age range, 12-57 years) met inclusion criteria for the study, of whom 9 of 10 had simultaneous medial rectus recession. Follow-up ranged from 1 week to 24 months. The augmented Hummelsheim procedure improved esotropia from 43(Δ) ± 5(Δ) preoperatively to 6(Δ) ± 7(Δ) postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and reduced abduction deficits from -4 to -3 (P < 0.0001). One patient with coexisting oculomotor nerve palsy developed consecutive exotropia; 2 had induced vertical deviations. There were no cases of anterior segment ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: The augmented Hummelsheim procedure combined with medial rectus muscle recession reduced mean primary position esotropia and improved abduction in patients with complete abducens nerve palsy.