A one-handed pars plicata lensectomy-vitrectomy technique for congenital cataracts

Abstract

Cataract surgery on children's eyes has always been a challenge and a subject of controversy,We present the results of 48 lensectomies performed on 24 infants via a pars plicata approach using an anterior vitrectomy instrument with irrigating/aspirating/cutting functions on the same probe. Surgery involved posterior capsulectomy, removal of the lens material,anterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy. Mean age at surgery was 7.6 months (range 14 days and 18 months). Inadvertent damage to the iris spincter was the only minor intraoperative complication. No major complications were encountered intra-or postoperatively, and the visual axes have remained clear over a mean follow-up period of 13.8 months (range 6 months and 3 years). In conclusion,one-handed pars plicata lensectomy and vitrectomy seems to be easy, simple and without serious complications in infants with congenital cataracts.