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Cataract in Pediatric Age Group: A Review

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Abstract

Cataract in pediatric age group is one of the important causes of childhood blindness. The visual results of cataract surgery in children have generally (Robb and Petersen, Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc LXXXX:183–200, 1992; Francois, Ophthalmology 86:1586–98, 1979) been poorer than in adults.

The visual outcome is unpredictable as it is not only the lens that determines the visual outcome. There is no standard classification, investigations, or treatment guidelines for the same. There are many controversies regarding predictive models; we would like to highlight these controversies and try to reach certain guidelines which may help clinician to manage these cases.

A number of issues regarding the management of pediatric cataract remain unresolved. The high risk of amblyopia and intraocular inflammation as well as strong vitreoretinal adhesions in the pediatric age group requires management based on different principles. Prospective, controlled clinical studies are not possible. This article reviews pertinent data regarding these management issues and controversies, and provides recommendations for treatment based on the available published data and the authors’ personal experience.

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Abbreviations

BETTS:

Birmingham Trauma Terminology Systems

IOL:

Intraocular lens

IOP:

Intraocular pressure

OGI:

Open globe injury

OTS:

Ocular trauma score

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This study is not presented at any conference or meeting

Authors do not have any financial interest in any aspect of this study

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Shah, M., Shah, S. (2015). Cataract in Pediatric Age Group: A Review. In: Babizhayev, M., Li, DC., Kasus-Jacobi, A., Žorić, L., Alió, J. (eds) Studies on the Cornea and Lens. Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1935-2_22

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