New techniques and technologies for pediatric cataract surgery

Abstract

Purpose of review: This paper surveys the literature from April 2004 to April 2005 and addresses trends in pediatric cataract surgery techniques.

Recent findings: The evolution of pediatric cataract surgery continues, with many adult cataract surgical techniques being applied to children with minor technical adjustments. More and more, surgeons are implanting intraocular lenses in younger children. One of the most widely reported technologic advances in 2004-2005 was the use of hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses in children. Predicting axial growth, and refractive change that accompanies it, is one of the major remaining challenges for the long-term care of children who have had cataract surgery.

Summary: Automation and intraocular lenses have helped to provide better anatomic and functional outcome for cataract surgery in children. Two major challenges in the coming years will be to find a way to obviate invasive procedures like posterior capsulotomy and vitrectomy and to study the growth of eyes in a well designed prospective study that will help to design new intraocular lens power calculation formulas specifically suited for children's eyes.