Postcataract surgery outcome in a series of infants and children with Down syndrome. Issue 8 (24th July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gardiner, C; Lanigan, B; O'Keefe, M
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 92:Issue 8(2008)
• Page Start: 1112
• Page End: 1116
• Publication Date: 2008-07-24
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.134619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To report the visual and refractive outcome and complications in children with Down syndrome undergoing cataract extraction. Methods: The case notes of 18 infants and children with lens opacities and Down syndrome who underwent cataract extraction between January 1981 and August 2006 were reviewed. Results: Over the 25-year study period, 7% (33 eyes) of paediatric eyes undergoing cataract extraction had Down syndrome. The average follow-up time was 11.2 (SD 7.5) years with a range of 2.5 months to 25 years. 25 were congenital, and eight were developmental lens opacities. 40% of patients attained a postoperative BCVA between 6/9 and 6/18. There was a large myopic shift of −7.96 (4.7) D for aphakes and −8.06 (7.4) D for pseudophakes with an average increase in axial length of 3.58 (3.14) mm. There was a 30% incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) overall, 38% in eyes without a primary posterior capsulotomy. Five eyes developed aphakic glaucoma, one eventually necessitating an enucleation. Two patients had retinal detachments on follow-up. Conclusion: Cataract extraction in our population of children with Down syndrome is a safe and effective procedure with a very encouraging visual outcome.