Factors associated with stereopsis and a good visual acuity outcome among children in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study

Abstract

PurposeTo identify factors associated with stereopsis in children with good visual acuity after unilateral congenital cataract surgery in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study.Patients and methodsInfants with a unilateral congenital cataract (n=114) were randomized to IOL implantation or contact lens correction after cataract surgery. At age 4.5 years, a masked examiner assessed HOTV acuity and stereopsis. Adherence to patching was assessed using 48-h recall telephone interviews and 7-day diaries throughout the first 5 years of life. Ocular motility was evaluated at age 5 years. Baseline, postoperative, and adherence findings were compared between patients with 20/40 or better acuity in their treated eyes with or without stereopsis.ResultsThirty (27%) of 112 patients who were evaluated at age 4.5 years had 20/40 or better acuity in their treated eye. Stereopsis was present on one or more tests in 15 of these 30 (50%) children. Baseline characteristics and postoperative findings did not differ between patients with or without stereopsis. Children with stereopsis were more likely to be orthotropic at distance (P=0.003) and were patched for fewer hours per day throughout the first 5 years of life and the difference increased over time (P<0.001). On average children with stereopsis were patched for 3.4 h/day during the first year of life and patching steadily decreased to 1.8 h/day by age 4 years.ConclusionAmong children with good vision following unilateral congenital cataract surgery, orthophoria and fewer hours of patching, particularly during years 2, 3, and 4, are associated with some evidence of stereopsis.