RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate visual development after extraction of congenital cataract in young patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective clinical study. Forty one congenital cataract patients (62 eyes) at 0-3 years old were divided into 4 groups: <0.5 year old, > or =0.5 and <1 year old, > or =1 and <2 years old and > or =2 years old. Capsulectomy and cataract aspiration combined with anterior vitrectomy were performed in all cases. After the operation, patients were treated with optical correction by spectacles and visual training with occlusion therapy. Flash visual evoked potential (F-VEP)was examined by using Mini stimulator 3 days and 12 weeks after surgery. VISTON visual plasticity system was used to assess visual acuity 1 week and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: VEP examination revealed that P100 latent time was reduced by visual training 3 months after surgery as compared with that of 3 days after surgery. Both P100 amplitude and visual acuity were increased. The younger patients obtained the better improvement. The group for lower than 0. 5 year old recovered best. CONCLUSION: Congenital cataract patients should be operated as early as possible and wear suitable spectacles for optical correction and undertake visual training after surgery, these procedures play a significant role for visual development and improvement in these patients.