Complications, Visual Acuity, and Refractive Error 3 Years after Secondary Intraocular Lens Implantation for Pediatric Aphakia.

PURPOSE: To report the cumulative incidence of complications and to describe refractive error and visual acuity (VA) outcomes in children undergoing secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after previous surgery for nontraumatic cataract. DESIGN: Pediatric cataract registry. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty children (108 eyes: 60 bilateral, 48 unilateral) undergoing lensectomy at younger than 13 years of age. METHODS: Annual data collection from medical record review through 5 years after lensectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cumulative incidence of newly emergent complications after secondary IOL implantation; refractive error and VA by 5 years after lensectomy. RESULTS: Median follow-up after secondary IOL implantation was 2.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.8-3.3 years; range, 0.6-5.0 years) for bilateral and 2.1 years (range, 0.5-6.4 years) for unilateral cases. A common complication after secondary IOL implantation was a glaucoma-related adverse event (GRAE; glaucoma or glaucoma suspect); the cumulative incidence was 17% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%-29%) in bilateral cases and 12% (95% CI, 0%-23%) in unilateral cases. The cumulative incidence of surgery for visual axis opacification was 2% (95% CI, 0%-7%) for bilateral cases and 4% (95% CI, 0%-10%) for unilateral cases. The median prediction error within 90 days of implantation was 0.88 diopter (D; IQR, -0.50 to +3.00 D) less hyperopic than intended among 21 eyes for bilateral cases and 1.50 D (IQR, -0.25 to +2.38 D) less among 19 unilateral cases. The median spherical equivalent refractive error at 5 years (at a median of 5.1 years of age) in eyes receiving a secondary IOL was +0.50 D (IQR, -2.38 to +2.94 D) for 48 bilateral cases and +0.06 D (IQR, -2.25 to +0.75 D) for 22 unilateral cases. Median monocular VA at 5 years was 20/63 (IQR, 20/50-20/100) for bilateral cases (n = 42) and 20/400 (IQR, 20/160-20/800) for unilateral cases (n = 33). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with secondary IOL implantation have a risk of developing new GRAEs. Five years after lensectomy (approximately 2.5 years after secondary IOL implantation), the average refractive error was less hyperopic than desired given the anticipated further myopic shift before refraction stabilizes. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Metabolomic profiling of the aqueous humor in patients with pediatric cataract.

Pediatric cataract, including congenital and developmental cataract, is a kind of pediatric vision-threatening disease with extensive phenotypic heterogeneity and multiple mechanisms. We aimed to investigate the metabolite profile of aqueous humor (AH) in patients with pediatric cataracts, and identify underlying mutual correlations between differential metabolites. Metabolomic profiles of AH were analyzed and compared between pediatric cataract patients (n = 33) and age-related cataract patients without metabolic diseases (n = 29), using global untargeted metabolomics with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis and heat map were applied. Enriched pathway analysis was conducted using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were employed to select potential biomarkers. A total of 318 metabolites were identified, of which 54 differential metabolites (25 upregulated and 29 downregulated) were detected in pediatric cataract group compared with controls (variable importance of projection >1.0, fold change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.667 and P < 0.05). A significant accumulation of N-Acetyl-Dl-glutamic acid was observed in pediatric cataract group. The differential metabolites were mainly enriched in histidine metabolism (increased L-Histidine and decreased 1-Methylhistamine) and the tryptophan metabolism (increased N-Formylkynurenine and L-Kynurenine). 5-Aminosalicylic acid showed strong positive mutual inter-correlation with L-Tyrosinemethylester and N,N-Diethylethanolamine, both of which were down-regulated in pediatric cataract group. The ROC analysis implied 11 metabolites served as potential biomarkers for pediatric cataract patients (all area under the ROC curve ≥0.900). These results illustrated novel potential metabolites and metabolic pathways in pediatric cataract, which provides new insights into the pathophysiology of pediatric cataract.

Genetics of bilateral pediatric cataract in the Israeli and Palestinian populations.

PURPOSE: Bilateral pediatric cataract (BPC) is one of the most common causes of childhood visual impairment and blindness worldwide. A significant percentage of pediatric cataracts are caused by genetic alterations. We aim to characterize the set of genes and variants that cause BPC in the Israeli and Palestinian populations and to assess genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: Retrospective study in a multidisciplinary center for visual impairment, located in a tertiary medical center. Medical charts of families who underwent genetic counseling because of BPC in a family member were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and genetic tests results were obtained from medical records of affected subjects. RESULTS: Twenty-two families (47 patients) underwent genetic counseling and completed genetic testing. Causative variants were identified in 18/22 (81.8%) of the families, including 3 novel variants. Genetic testing used included mainly panel for congenital cataracts and whole exome sequencing. Eleven families performed genetic testing with the intention of future pregnancy planning. Main causative genes identified were crystalline genes followed by transcription factor genes. BCOR gene variants were associated with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) cataract in two of three families. CONCLUSIONS: Combined molecular techniques are useful in identifying variants causing pediatric cataracts and showed a high detection rate in our population. BCOR gene variants might be associated with PFV type of cataracts. The study of pathogenic variants may aid in family planning and prevention of pediatric cataracts in future pregnancies. Additionally, in certain cases, it assists in diagnosing non-suspected syndromic types of pediatric cataracts.

Refractive predictive errors using Barrett II, Hoffer-Q, and SRKT formulae for pediatric IOL implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of the Barrett II universal (BU II) formula, Hoffer-Q, and SRKT formulae following lensectomy and IOL implantation in a large pediatric cohort. METHODS: Retrospective study of children who underwent lensectomy and IOL implantation between 2015 and 2023 at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-one eyes of 104 children aged 6.0 ± 3.9 years were included. The mean prediction error (PE) was - 0.08 ± 1.54 diopters (D) with BU II, 0.24 ± 1.46 D with Hoffer-Q, and 0.71 ± 1.92 D with SRKT (P = 0.10). In eyes with axial length (AL) < 22 mm, BU II and Hoffer-Q had a smaller PE than SRKT (P = 0.024). In eyes with AL ≥ 22 mm, BU II had a smaller PE than Hoffer-Q (P = 0.048). In children 24 months or older at surgery, BU II had a smaller PE than SRKT and Hoffer-Q (P = 0.012). However, in younger children, no difference was found between the formulae (P = 0.61). For mean k-values ≥ 44.5 D, BU II and Hoffer-Q had a smaller PE than SRKT (P = 0.002). An absolute prediction error < 1.0 D was obtained with BU II in 66% of eyes and SRKT in 35% (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The BU II formula performed well with a small prediction error. No significant difference in PE was detected overall between the formulae. However, only BU II demonstrated a stable prediction error at varying axial lengths, K-readings, and ages. As the biometric parameters of the developing eye change with growth, the BU II formula offers a reliable and stable option for pediatric IOL calculation.

Observation on the tilt and decentration of multifocal intraocular lens with optic capture in Berger space for pediatric cataract.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to observe the tilt and decentration of multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with optic capture in Berger space within 2 years after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study. The implantation of multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZMB00) with optic capture in Berger space was performed on 33 patients (48 eyes) with pediatric cataract at Qingdao Eye Hospital. Tilt and decentration of IOL was measured using Scheimpflug system (Pentacam) at 1 month and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: All the multifocal IOLs were successfully implanted in Berger space with optic capture and no visually significant complications were detected during the follow-up. The mean tilt of IOLs was 2.779° ± 0.950° in the vertical plane and 2.399° ± 0.898° in the horizontal plane at 1 month postoperatively, and the mean length of the decentration was 0.207 ± 0.081 mm in vertical plane and 0.211 ± 0.090 mm in the horizontal plane. Compared with 1 month after surgery, the angle of tilt decreased by a mean of 0.192° and decentration increased by a mean of 0.014 mm at the vertical meridian at 2 years postoperatively (P = 0.37 and P = 0.27, respectively), meanwhile, tilt increased by 0.265° and decentration increased by 0.012 mm at the horizontal meridian (P = 0.11 and P = 0.22, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up results suggest the tilt and decentration of multifocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger space remain stable in an acceptable range within 2 years after cataract surgery in children above the age of 5. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qingdao Eye Hospital, and registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR identifier: 1900023155).

Systemic and ocular associations in pediatric patients undergoing cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Evaluation for systemic diagnosis is an important part of pediatric cataract management. While there are reports on associated systemic and ocular associations in children with infantile cataracts, reports specifying associations in large cohorts of children undergoing cataract surgery are lacking. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery at a pediatric tertiary referral center during 30-year period was performed. Associated systemic and ocular associations were recorded. The etiologies were analyzed depending on laterality, age, and gender. RESULTS: Seven-hundred twenty-seven patients (1135 eyes) were included for analysis: 408 (56%) with bilateral and 319 (44%) with unilateral cataract. An identifiable cause for cataract was identified in 66% (270/408) bilateral and 55% (176/319) unilateral cataract patients. Hereditary cataract accounted for 22% of bilateral cataracts. An underlying syndrome or genetic diagnosis was found in 24% bilateral (97/408, 86 genetic/syndromic, 11 metabolic) but only in 2% of unilateral cases (5/319). Cataracts were the result of treatment for cancer, or other systemic conditions requiring steroids, in 60/408 bilateral (15%) and 15/319 (5%) unilateral cataract patients. In contrast, unilateral cataracts had higher ocular associations (49%, 156/319) than bilateral cataracts (6%, 23/408) primarily ocular trauma (20%, 64/319) and persistent fetal vasculature (20%, 62/319). CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of potential systemic and ocular associations among children with visually significant cataracts. Those with no family history of juvenile cataract should be evaluated for systemic associations, and referral to genetics may be warranted in select cases.

Comparison of baseline biometry measures in eyes with pediatric cataract to age-matched controls.

PURPOSE: To compare baseline biometry measurements in eyes with pediatric cataract versus age-matched controls METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital that included two arms-prospective arm to collect data from normal eyes and retrospective arm for eyes with pediatric cataract. In the prospective arm, biometry measurements were obtained in healthy children aged 0 to 10 years. Children under the age of four had measurements under anesthesia for an unrelated procedure, while older children had in-office measurements using optical biometry. For comparison, biometric data was collected in children with pediatric cataract through record review. One eye of each patient was randomly selected. Axial length (AL) and keratometry (K) were compared by age and laterality. The medians were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and variances using Levene's test. RESULTS: There were 100 eyes in each arm, 10 eyes in each age bin of 1-year interval. There was more variability in baseline biometry in eyes with pediatric cataract and a trend for longer AL and steeper K in cataract eyes than aged-matched controls. The difference in AL means was significant in age group 2-4 years, and variances were significant across all age groups (p=0.018). Unilateral cataracts (n=49) showed a trend toward greater variability in biometry than bilateral cataracts, but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Baseline biometry measures are more variable in eyes with pediatric cataract compared to age-matched controls with a trend toward longer AL and steeper K.

Accuracy of newer generation intraocular lens power calculation formulas in pediatric cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of newer generation intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas (EVO 2.0 and Kane) with established formulas (Barrett Universal II, Haigis and SRK/T) in pediatric cataract patients. METHODS: Retrospective study. We enrolled 110 eyes (110 patients) in Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. All patients underwent uneventful cataract surgery and implanted with posterior chamber IOL in the bag. We calculate the mean prediction errors (PE) and percentage within 1 diopter (D) at 1 month to assess the accuracy, and percentage > 2D was defined as prediction accident. Then, we performed subgroup analysis according to age and axial length (AL). RESULTS: The mean age and AL were 37.45 ± 23.28 months and 21.16 ± 1.29 mm. The mean PE for all patients was as follows: Barrett (- 0.30), EVO (0.18), Haigis (- 0.74), Kane (- 0.36), and SRK/T (0.58), p < 0.001. In addition, EVO and SRK/T formulas were relatively accurate in patients younger than 24 months and with AL ≤ 21 mm, while EVO got lower prediction accident rate than SRK/T (3/41 vs 8/41, 4/52 vs 5/52). Moreover, Barrett, EVO, and Kane formulas achieved better accuracy and lower prediction accident rate in patients older than 24 months and with AL > 21 mm (both > 51/69 and 43/58, and < 3/69 and 3/58). CONCLUSIONS: In patients older than 24 months and with AL > 21 mm, Barrett, EVO, and Kane formulas were relatively accurate, while in patients younger than 24 months and with AL ≤ 21 mm, EVO was more accurate, followed by SRK/T formula.

Efficacy and safety of intraoperative use of tropicamide 0.02%/phenylephrine0.31%/lidocaine1% intracameral combination during pediatric cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the intracameral use of tropicamide 0.02%/phenylephrine 0.31%/lidocaine 1% in pediatric cataract surgery, a combination widely used in adult patients but still off-label in children. METHODS: Design: two-center, prospective, observational study. SETTING: San Giuseppe Hospital, Milan and Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence. STUDY POPULATION: children from 0 to 4 years of age undergoing cataract surgery with or without intraocular IOL implantation, in the absence of clinically significant systemic conditions, history of ocular surgery, concurrent ocular medication, hypersensitivity to any of the substances and post-traumatic cataracts. During the surgery, patients received the combination drug after the primary access to the anterior chamber. Efficacy was evaluated by achieving an adequate mydriasis in order to perform capsulorhexis, while safety was assessed by recording vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature) pre- and post-administration of the substance. RESULTS: This study included 53 surgical procedures of 36 patients: 41 eyes were left aphakic, while 12 eyes received primary IOL implantation. The pupil size was adequate to safely perform capsulorhexis in 52 procedures of 53. The difference in pupil enlargement was significant (6.0 ± 1.14 mm, P = < 0.001). There were no notable changes in vital parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of intracameral tropicamide 0.02%/phenylephrine 0.31%/lidocaine 1% in pediatric cataract surgery is effective for obtaining an adequate mydriasis without any vital parameters changes throughout the procedure.

Pediatric Cataract Surgery: Rate of Secondary Visual Axis Opacification Depending on Intraocular Lens Type.

PURPOSE: To assess the time course of secondary visual axis opacification (VAO) leading to additional surgery after primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children and to describe further surgical outcomes. Comparison of lens types. DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective analysis of children aged 1 to 14 years who underwent cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation. The surgical technique was either in-bag IOL placement with primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy or bag-in-lens IOL placement. We excluded eyes with visually significant ocular comorbidities. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 135 eyes of 95 children. Of these, 64 had received an acrylic 3-piece IOL, 51 had an acrylic single-piece IOL, and 20 had an acrylic single-piece bag-in-lens IOL. The median ages at surgery were 53 months (interquartile range [IQR], 35-75), 52 months (27-65), and 60 months (40-84) in the 3-piece, 1-piece, and bag-in-lens groups, respectively. METHODS: Analysis of medical records. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model with predefined adjustments for age at surgery, year of surgery, and the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (score by postal code) to analyze VAO-free survival by lens type. Patients were invited to attend a clinical visit to achieve longer follow-ups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rate of survival without VAO that required clearing of the visual axis after cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation. Any other surgical complications. RESULTS: The overall median follow-up was 19 months (IQR, 3-58). There were 13 cases of VAO, occurring at a median of 10 months (IQR, 10-12) after surgery. Of these, 1 eye had a 3-piece in-bag IOL, 10 eyes had 1-piece in-bag IOLs, and 2 eyes had bag-in-lens IOLs. The adjusted hazard ratio was 32.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-327, P = 0.003) for 1-piece acrylic IOLs and 19.6 (CI, 1.22-316, P = 0.036) for bag-in-lens IOLs, compared with 3-piece acrylic in-bag IOLs. Two eyes with bag-in-lens surgery (10%) had an iris capture. There was 1 case of endophthalmitis. We found no cases of postoperative retinal detachment or new glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Children with secondary VAO who required a procedure to clear the visual axis generally presented within 15 months. Opacification rates were lowest when a 3-piece acrylic IOL was used.

Evaluation of IOL power calculation with the Kane formula for pediatric cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of the Kane formula for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in the pediatric population. METHODS: The charts of pediatric patients who underwent cataract surgery with in-the-bag IOL implantation with one of two IOL models (SA60AT or MA60AC) between 2012 and 2018 in The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, CanFada, were retrospectively reviewed. The accuracy of IOL power calculation with the Kane formula was evaluated in comparison with the Barrett Universal II (BUII), Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff Theoretical (SRK/T) formulas. RESULTS: Sixty-two eyes of 62 patients aged 6.2 (IQR 3.2-9.2) years were included. The SD values of the prediction error obtained by Kane (1.38) were comparable with those by BUII (1.34), Hoffer Q (1.37), SRK/T (1.40), Holaday 1 (1.41), and Haigis (1.50), all p > 0.05. A significant difference was observed between the Hoffer Q and Haigis formulas (p = 0.039). No differences in the median and mean absolute errors were found between the Kane formula (0.54 D and 0.91 ± 1.04 D) and BUII (0.50 D and 0.88 ± 1.00 D), Hoffer Q (0.48 D and 0.88 ± 1.05 D), SRK/T (0.72 D and 0.97 ± 1.00 D), Holladay 1 (0.63 D and 0.94 ± 1.05 D), and Haigis (0.57 D and 0.98 ± 1.13 D), p = 0.099. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate the Kane formula in pediatric cataract surgery. Our results place the Kane among the noteworthy IOL power calculation formulas in this age group, offering an additional means for improving IOL calculation in pediatric cataract surgery. The heteroscedastic statistical method was first implemented to evaluate formulas' predictability in children.

Macular Morphologic and Microvascular Analysis in Pseudophakic Children with Previous Pediatric Cataract Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

INTRODUCTION: The macular morphologic and microvascular changes in children with pseudophakia after pediatric cataract surgery remain unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze macular morphologic and microvascular remodeling in children with pseudophakia after pediatric cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Consecutive cases between December 1, 2018, and November 31, 2020 were recruited. Sixty-one participants (31 pseudophakic children and 30 healthy controls) met the inclusion criteria and were included for final analysis. OCTA was used to measure macular vascular density, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), and macular thickness. The parameters were compared between pseudophakic and healthy eyes using binary logistic regression, with adjustment for the effect of refractive error, age, and axial length. RESULTS: Compared with normal eyes, a significantly reduced area of the FAZ (p = 0.042), increased superficial foveal vascular density (p = 0.033), and increased inner and outer foveal thickness (p = 0.034 and 0.029, respectively) were noted in pseudophakic eyes. The deep parafoveal vascular density was generally lower in eyes with cataracts (p ≤ 0.044). The inner foveal thickness was positively correlated with the superficial foveal vascular density (r = 0.889, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the area of the FAZ (r = -0.903, p < 0.001). The outer foveal thickness was positively correlated with the deep foveal vascular density (r = 0.399, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Morphological and microvascular remodeling in children with previous pediatric cataract indicates foveal underdevelopment. The underlying mechanism requires further investigation.

Evaluation of Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer in Children with Deprivational Amblyopia Who Underwent Unilateral Cataract Surgery.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness in deprivational amblyopic eyes (AE), fellow non-amblyopic eyes (FE) and normal eyes (NE) using spectral. domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty two children (64% boys) who underwent surgical removal of unilateral congenital or developmental cataracts and exhibited visual impairment despite postoperative visual rehabilitation were included in the study. Cataract surgery was performed in patients aged 55.82 ± 35.85 months (range 6 to 114 months). The mean age of the study group was 9.73 ± 2.85 years (range 5 to 15 years). The comparison group consisted of 22 healthy age- and gender-matched children. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgery was: 0.75 ± 0.27 (range 0.3 to 1.3) in AE, 0.1 ± 0.13 (range 0 to 0.5) in FE and 0.04 ± 0.07 (range 0 to 0.2) in NE. OCT scans were performed in all patients and subsequently corrected for axial length related magnification errors. Results: The average thickness of mGCIPL was 70.6 ± 11.28 µm in AE; 77.50 ± 6.72 µm in FE and 81.73 ± 5.18 µm in NE. We found that mGCIPL was statistically significantly thinner in deprivation AE compared to FE (p = 0.038) and NE (p = 0.0005). The minimum thickness of mGCIPL was respectively: 62.68 ± 13.2 µm, 70.3 ± 7.61 µm, and 74.5 ± 5.47, and also differed between AE and FE (p = 0.023) and AE and NE (p = 0.0004). Also, measurements in the inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal sectors showed thinning of mGCIPL in AE compared to NE. Conclusions: This analysis may suggest that deprivational amblyopia caused by unilateral congenital or developmental cataract in children may be associated with mGCIPL thinning.

Challenges in pediatric cataract surgery: comparison of intraocular lens power calculation formulas using optical biometry.

PURPOSE: Comparison of the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas (SRK II, SRK/T, Holladay 1, Hoffer Q and Barrett II Universal, Haigis) in pediatric cataract surgery using optical biometry. METHOD: This prospective study included seventy eyes of 70 patients between ages of 3-15 who had undergone cataract surgery with IOL implantation. Anterior segment parameters and axial length (AL) were measured with an optical biometer. Barrett II Universal formula results were used to determine the diopter of implanted IOL. Postoperative refraction was taken at first month, and differences from the estimated refractive value [mean absolute predictive error (APE)] were compared between formulas. Formulas were also compared according to AL. RESULTS: The lowest APE was achieved with Barrett II formula (0.64 ± 0.73D) and the highest with Haigis formula (1.06 ± 0.84D) in the whole study population (p < 0.01). APE values were lowest with Holladay 1 (0.79 ± 0.71D) and highest with Haigis (1.44 ± 0.92D) in patients with an AL ≤ 22 mm; lowest APE was achieved with Barrett II (0.47 ± 0.54D) and highest with Haigis (0.84 ± 0.72D) in patients with an AL > 22 mm. CONCLUSION: Barrett II formula had the best results in eyes with average AL, and SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulas were better in eyes with shorter AL. Haigis formula statistically had the highest predictive error in all formulas.

Outcomes of the infantile cataract surgery: case series with a 5-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To present the 5-year outcomes obtained from the infantile cataract surgery in pediatric population. METHODS: Medical records of all patients with unilateral or bilateral infantile cataract who had undergone lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy with or without intraocular lens implantation before 10 years of age were evaluated. Patients with any history of ocular trauma, retinal or corneal dystrophy, ocular or orbital surgery, retinopathy of prematurity, raised intraocular pressure at the time of diagnosis, or incomplete follow-up sessions were excluded from the research. RESULTS: A total of 85 eyes belonged to 52 patients were analyzed. Bilateral and unilateral diseases were present in 33 (63.5%) and 19 (36.5%) patients, respectively. After performing the first operation, 43 (50.6%) eyes still remained aphakic. The mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of the aphakic and pseudophakic eyes was estimated as 0.77 ± 0.52 and 0.43 ± 0.39 logMAR with no statistical difference. The age at the time of performing the cataract surgery was not associated with the final CDVA in either group. Complications in the anterior segment structures were noted in 39 (45%) eyes. Strabismus and amblyopia were noted in 52 (61%) and 75 (88.2%) eyes, respectively. Glaucoma was found in 17 (20%) eyes with no correlation with the final CDVA, age at the time of cataract surgery, or the status of the lens. CONCLUSION: Due to high prevalence rates of amblyopia, strabismus, and glaucoma after the infantile cataract surgery, specific attention should be paid to these complications in each follow-up examination.

Outcomes of Bilateral Cataract Surgery in Infants 7 to 24 Months of Age Using the Toddler Aphakia and Pseudophakia Treatment Study Registry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of bilateral cataract surgery in children aged 7 to 24 months and compare rates of adverse events (AEs) with other Toddler Aphakia and Pseudophakia Study (TAPS) registry outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study at 10 Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS) sites. Statistical analyses comparing this cohort with previously reported TAPS registry cohorts. PARTICIPANTS: Children enrolled in the TAPS registry between 2004 and 2010. METHODS: Children underwent bilateral cataract surgery with or without intraocular lens (IOL) placement at age 7 to 24 months with 5 years of postsurgical follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity (VA), occurrence of strabismus, AEs, and reoperations. RESULTS: A total of 40 children (76 eyes) who underwent bilateral cataract surgery with primary posterior capsulectomy were identified with a median age at cataract surgery of 11 months (7-23); 68% received a primary IOL. Recurrent visual axis opacification (VAO) occurred in 7.5% and was associated only with the use of an IOL (odds ratio, 6.10; P = 0.005). Glaucoma suspect (GS) was diagnosed in 2.5%, but no child developed glaucoma. In this bilateral cohort, AEs (8/40, 20%), including glaucoma or GS and VAO, and reoperations occurred in a similar proportion to that of the published unilateral TAPS cohort. When analyzed with children aged 1 to 7 months at bilateral surgery, the incidence of AEs and glaucoma or GS correlated strongly with age at surgery (P = 0.011/0.004) and glaucoma correlated with microcornea (P = 0.040) but not with IOL insertion (P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up to age 5 years after bilateral cataract surgery in children aged 7 to 24 months reveals a low rate of VAO and very rare glaucoma or GS diagnosis compared with infants with cataracts operated at < 7 months of age despite primary IOL implantation in most children in the group aged 7 to 24 months. The use of an IOL increases the risk of VAO irrespective of age at surgery.

Serum cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in infants receiving topical and subconjunctival corticosteroids following cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Cushingoid features are occasionally encountered in infants after pediatric cataract surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the use of topical glucocorticoids (GCs) following congenital cataract surgery can result in endogenous adrenal suppression and/or systemic side effects similar to those seen with systemic steroids. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 20 infants with bilateral congenital cataract. All infants received a single subconjunctival betamethasone injection of 1 mg at the end of surgery in addition to topical dexamethasone eye drops 1 mg/ml for 6 weeks. All infants had anthropometric measurements and blood pressure measurements, serum cortisol, and ACTH level measurements before surgery and 2 months after. In addition, the total administered glucocorticoid adjusted per weight was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the infants was 4.93 ± 2.58 months. Thirteen were males (65%). The total administered glucocorticoid dose was 18.7 mg and the mean cumulative dexamethasone equivalent dose administered was 2.75 ± 1.31 mg/kg. There was a statistically significant increase in the adjusted weight percentile for age (P = 0.009). Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly elevated (P = 0.005 and P = 0.025 respectively). There was a statistically significant reduction in both the morning and afternoon serum ACTH levels (P = 0.023 and P = 0.014). The reduction in serum cortisol levels was statistically non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Topical steroids following pediatric cataract surgery can result in both subclinical and clinical changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis that can be easily overlooked and need careful attention and follow-up.

Limitations in cataract surgical services for children in Ethiopia: a nationwide survey of pediatric cataract surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral cataract is a significant cause of blindness in children in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the resources available for cataract surgery in children, and to assess current surgical practices, surgical output and factors affecting the outcome of surgery in Ethiopia. METHODS: A Google Forms mobile phone questionnaire was emailed to nine ophthalmologists known to perform cataract surgery in young children (0-5 years). RESULTS: All nine responded. All but one had received either 12- or 3-5-month's training in pediatric ophthalmology with hands-on surgical training. The other surgeon had received informal training from an experienced colleague and visiting ophthalmologists. The surgeons were based in seven health facilities: five in the capital (Addis Ababa) and eight in six public referral hospitals and one private center. Over 12 months (2017-2018) 508 children (592 eyes) aged 0-18 years (most < 15 years) were operated by these surgeons. 84 (17%) had bilateral cataract, and 424 (83%) had unilateral cataract mainly following trauma. A mean of 66 (range 18-145) eyes were operated per surgeon. Seventy-one additional children aged > 5 years were operated by other surgeons. There were substantially fewer surgeons per million population (nine for 115 million population) than recommended by the World Health Organization and they were unevenly distributed across the country. Methylcellulose and rigid intraocular lenses were generally available but less than 50% of facilities had a sharp vitrectomy cutter and cohesive viscoelastic. Mean travel time outside Addis Ababa to a facility offering pediatric cataract surgery was 10 h. CONCLUSION: Despite the high number of cases per surgeon, the output for bilateral cataracts was far lower than required. More well-equipped pediatric ophthalmology teams are urgently required, with deployment to under-served areas.

Efficacy of intracameral preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide in pediatric cataract surgery: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intracameral preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on reducing inflammatory reactions after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: Researches were comprehensively searched in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 30 November, 2019. Data of interest were extracted and analyzed by Review Manager 5.2. The primary outcome was cell deposits. The secondary outcomes included posterior synechias, fibrinous anterior chamber reaction, visual axis obscuration, and posterior capsule opacification. The odds ratio (OR), weight mean difference (WMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: In total, 45 articles were obtained. Finally, 5 studies with a total of 308 eyes were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Among these, 134 eyes underwent intracameral TA treatment and 174 eyes did not. In intracameral TA treatment group, the incidence of cell deposits (OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.76, P = 0.008), posterior synechias (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.86, P = 0.02), and fibrinous anterior chamber reaction (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.01-1.05, P = 0.05) were lower compared to those in patients without intracameral TA treatment. Meanwhile, the incidence of visual axis obscuration (OR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.85, P = 0.04) and posterior capsule opacification (OR = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.55, P = 0.009) were also reduced significantly. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated at the first month postoperatively (WMD = 0.84 mmHg, 95% CI 0.14-1.53, P = 0.02), but within the normal range. There was no difference of IOP between two groups at 6 months or above after operation (P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The intracameral preservative-free TA in pediatric cataract surgery contributed to much less inflammatory reaction with the normal IOP range.

Accuracy of 8 intraocular lens power calculation formulas in pediatric cataract patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of the eight formulas for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in pediatric cataract patients. METHODS: A retrospective study. A total of 68 eyes (68 patients) that underwent uneventful cataract surgery and posterior chamber IOL implantation in the capsular bag were enrolled. We compared the calculation accuracy of the 8 formulas at 1 month postoperatively and performed subgroup analysis according to age or axial length (AL). RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 34.07 ± 24.60 months and mean AL was 21.12 ± 1.42 mm. The mean prediction errors (PE) of eight formulas for all patients were as follows: SRK II (- 0.66), SRK/T (- 0.44), Holladay 1 (- 0.36), Hoffer Q (- 0.09), Olsen (0.71), Barrett (0.37), Holladay 2 (- 0.70), and Haigis (0.50). There was significant difference among the 8 formulas (p < 0.0001), while no significant difference of absolute PE was found among the 8 formulas in all patients (p = 0.053). Moreover, in patients younger than 2 years old or with AL ≤ 21 mm, SRK/T formula was relatively accurate in 34% and 39% of eyes, respectively. While in patients older than 2 or with AL > 21 mm, Barrett and Haigis formulas were better (58% and 47% for Barrett, 52% and 53% for Haigis). CONCLUSION: Overall, in patients younger than 2 years old or with AL ≤ 21 mm, SRK/T formulas were relatively accurate, while Barrett and Haigis formulas were better in patients older than 2 or with AL > 21 mm.