Bilateral intraocular lens implantation in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE

To evaluate bilateral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty pediatric patients with bilateral IOL implants at one institution with more than 6 months of followup.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications, visual acuity, axial length, and refractive changes were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (60 eyes) had an average followup of 31 months (range, 7-69 months). Average age at implantation was 73 months (range, 12 days-13 years). At last followup, 91% of eyes had vision better than or equal to 20/40. Patients in the youngest age group (<2 years) demonstrated the most rapid refractive and axial length changes, and there were progressively smaller changes in older age groups. Only four patients had acuity differences between eyes of more than one line.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral IOLs are safe and effective in pediatric aphakia.