Visual Outcomes of Secondary Lens Implants in Children with Different Etiologies

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated visual outcomes and factors that impact vision in children receiving secondary Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants. Methods: Children who had traumatic or congenital cataracts and underwent secondary lens implantation for aphakia at Drashti Netralaya between 2000 and 2019 were retrospectively examined. We included all the eyes with secondary implants for aphakia correction with placement either in the bag or sulcus or through scleral fixation. We obtained data from electronic medical records and analyzed using SPSS 22 through descriptive analysis, cross tabulation and t test. We evaluated visual outcomes among different patients. Results: Our cohort consisted of 84 eyes (mean age: 7.88 ± 6.07 years). Of the 84 eyes, 24 (28.6%) and 60 (71.4%) were female and male patients, respectively and 32 (38.1%) had traumatic cataract. We observed significant improvements in vision following lens implantation (p=0.000). Those with nontraumatic cataracts exhibited better outcomes that did the traumatic cataract group (p=0.004). Corneal opacity caused comorbidities in the traumatic group (14/52, 14.29%). Visual outcomes significantly improved in young patients and were not affected by other variables. Conclusion: Secondary lens implantation significantly improved vision in aphakic children. Young patients and those with nontraumatic cataracts demonstrated more favorable visual outcomes.