The effect of posterior continuous circular capsulectomy with anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataract on development of posterior capsular opacification

Kim, Ki Hong; Kim, Hyung Joon

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of posterior continuous circular capsulectomy (pCCC) and anterior vitrectomy during cataract surgery in children on the development of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). METHODS: 52 eyes of 32 children aged from 3 months to 14 years who underwent pCCC and anterior vitrectomy at the time of cataract removal were evaluated more than 12 months. All eyes were divided into two groups, one group of children under 1 year of age and the other aged 1 year and more. The degree of PCO was evaluated prospectively in both groups. In 16 eyes of 8 children with bilateral cataracts, IOL was inserted in the bag in one eye, and in the anterior vitreous with pCCC capture in the opposite eye. The degree of PCO according to the location of IOL was compared between the two eyes. RESULTS: At 1 month postoperatively, mild PCO was developed in 9 out of 18 eyes of children under 1 year old, and in 14 out of 34 eyes of children of 1 year and over. There was a difference according to age. Severe PCO involving the visual axis was not developed in all eyes during 12 months follow up period. The degree of PCO was more in eyes of children under 1 year, but was not different between eyes with IOLs inserted in the bag and eyes with IOLs in the anterior vitreous. CONCLUSIONS: The development of PCO was much reduced with pCCC and anterior vitrectomy followed by in-the-bag implantation of IOL during cataract surgery in children.