Visual outcomes following cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in vitrectomized eyes among children.

Purpose: To assess the visual outcomes and associated factors in pediatric patients undergoing cataract surgery following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Methods: A total of 52 eyes of 52 children who underwent cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in previously vitrectomized eyes between January 2008 and December 2017 were included in this retrospective study. Descriptive and inferential statistical measurements (Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, odds ratio, multiple logistic regression) were done.

Results: The mean age at PPV was 11.3 ± 2.9 years. The most common indication for PPV was retinal detachment in 43 eyes (82.69%) and vitreous hemorrhage in 6 eyes (11.53%). The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.31 ± 0.48 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) units (20/400) and 0.69 ± 0.45 logMAR units (20/100), respectively; P < 0.001. The final visual outcome was good in 37 eyes (71.15%) and poor in 15 eyes (28.85%). In mean follow-up of 4 years, 42.3% developed posterior capsular opacification, 13.5% developed glaucoma, and 3.8% had retinal redetachment after cataract surgery. In the presence of macular pathology, the visual outcome was poor (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 4.26, P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Cataract surgery with IOL implantation in vitrectomized eyes among children is a safe procedure and can improve visual acuity and quality of life. However, the extent of improvement is limited by macular pathology.