Glaucoma following congenital cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND

Glaucoma is a well known complication that arises after congenital cataract surgery. The purpose of this research was to study eyes that manifested glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery and to identify associated factors.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who received cataract surgery before the age of five was conducted. The chi-squared test for association was used to evaluate risk factors.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty eyes of 85 patients were studied. Nineteen eyes of 12 patients had glaucoma, among which 79% was open angle. Patients who underwent secondary membranectomy for visual axis occlusion had a higher risk of glaucoma, especially when secondary membranectomy was performed within one year of primary surgery. Of eight eyes with microcornea, none developed glaucoma after surgery. No significant difference in outcome was found among the surgical methods of cataract removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive clearance of lens cortex during surgery is important. Secondary membranectomy for clearing the visual axis occlusion is associated with post operative glaucoma. Frequent and long-term patient follow-up is mandatory since glaucoma may manifest many years after congenital cataract surgery.