Secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in pediatric patients

PURPOSE: To report results of secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in previously aphakic pediatric patients. METHODS: In 19 pediatric patients, 19 aphakic eyes (11 after infantile and eight after traumatic cataract surgery) received secondary sulcus-fixated posterior chamber IOL implants. RESULTS: Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved with IOL implantation and overrefraction in three of 11 infantile (27%) and six of eight traumatic cataract patients (mean follow- ups, 18.1 months [range, 8 to 29 months] and 18.0 months [range, 6 to 28 months]), respectively. Eighteen of 19 patients (95%) demonstrated postoperative vision equal to or better than preoperative levels; 15 of 19 patients (79%) showed improved vision after IOL implantation. The mean ± SD difference between actual and predicted postoperative refraction at I month was -0.97 ± 0.96 diopter. Average refractive error at last examination was -0.40 ± 2.43 diopters. Amblyopia therapy was performed in 14 patients. One IOL required repositioning 8 months postoperatively. Strabismus was present in 14 patients before and 13 patients after IOL implantation, requiring surgery in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary IOL implantation can be performed successfully in carefully selected pediatric patients. Visual acuity results are better in eyes with a history of traumatic cataract and are influenced by patient compliance. The short-term risks of the procedure appear no greater than those of primary IOL implantation, and complications resemble those seen in adults.