Viscosealing: A novel technique for port closure in pediatric cataract surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of viscosealing of incisions made during pediatric cataract surgery. Design: This was a prospective case series. Participants: A total of 96 eyes of 65 patients aged <10 years were included. Methods: Analysis of all children with congenital cataract who underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation and sealing of the side port with 1.45% sodium hyaluronate was done at a tertiary care center. In all the patients’, phacoaspiration with primary posterior capsulorhexis and anterior vitrectomy was done. Results: Mean age at surgery was 42.76 months (3.5 years ± 3.1 years). Complications encountered were irregular pupil in 6 eyes (6.25%), iridolenticular adhesions in 8 eyes (8.3%), and shallow anterior chamber in 6 eyes (6.25%) postoperatively. Most of these complications were seen in children <6 months of age (65.3%). At 3 months postoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent was 1.34 DS ± 2.86 D and mean astigmatism −0.05 ± 1.55 D. Conclusion: Viscosealing is an effective way to close side ports in children above 6 months of age. It does away with suture-related problems and need for the 2nd time general anesthesia.