Long-term results of intraocular lens implantation in pediatric patients.

Between 1980 and 1990, 42 eyes of 34 patients (age range: 18 months to 18 years) were implanted with an intraocular lens, with 29 being primary implantations and 13 secondary. The primary implantation group comprised patients with congenital, developmental, and traumatic cataracts. Patients in the developmental and traumatic cataract groups achieved the best visual acuity. Those with congenital cataracts had the poorest visual outcome. Follow-up ranged from a minimum of three months to more than ten years. Overall the patients demonstrated an improvement in visual acuity and the psychological advantage of enhanced visual function without spectacles or contact lenses. We conclude that with proper case selection and a controlled, skilled surgical approach, the use of an intraocular lens for visual rehabilitation in the pediatric age group is a feasible approach.