Primary versus secondary IOL implantation following removal of infantile unilateral congenital cataract: outcomes after at least 5 years.

Purpose: To report outcomes after at least 5 years' follow-up of consecutive patients at a single center undergoing unilateral congenital cataract surgery during infancy with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation at the time of surgery or undergoing secondary IOL implantation later in childhood.

Methods: The medical records of pseudophakic children who received initial cataract surgery before 7 months of age were retrospectively reviewed. Children with acquired cataract, persistent fetal vasculature, congenital glaucoma, or follow-up of <5 years were excluded.

Results: Mean age at time of cataract surgery was 2.7 months in the primary group (n = 13) and 1.9 months in the secondary group (n = 13). Mean age at IOL implantation in the latter group was 4.9 ± 2.2 years. Mean age at final follow-up was 10.7 ± 4.2 years in the primary group and 8.7 ± 3.0 years in the secondary group. Glaucoma surgery was performed in 2 primary group eyes and 1 secondary group eye; it was medically controlled in 2 additional eyes of the latter group. One secondary group eye was diagnosed as glaucoma suspect. Visual axis opacification required surgery in 5 primary group eyes and 2 secondary group eyes before IOL implantation. Unplanned IOL exchange or removal for high myopia was required in 3 primary group eyes and 1 secondary group eye. Strabismus surgery was performed in 3 primary group eyes and 7 secondary group eyes. Median visual acuity at final follow-up was 20/150 in both groups. Refraction at last follow-up was -2.9 ± 3.3 D in the primary and -1.8 ± 2.5 D in the secondary group.

Conclusions: Reoperations were common in both groups over long-term follow-up. Close monitoring for glaucoma is also needed in both groups.