Optic capture technique prevents PCO after pediatric cataract surgery

Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with optic capture of a posterior chamber IOLis a safe and effective technique to afford stable IOL fixation and maintain visual axis clarityafter cataract surgery in pediatric eyes, reported Ye Ying Jia, MD.Dr. Jia presented the outcomes from 83 eyes operated on between May 2002 and May 2007. The patientsranged in age from 2 to 14 years (mean 5 years).

Cataract removal was achieved by extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) through an anteriorcontinuous curvilinear capsulorhexis measuring 6- to 7-mm. The PCCC was oval in shape andmeasured 3.5- by 4.5-mm. Anterior vitrectomy was not performed.

Optic capture of the PC-IOL was achieved in 79 eyes (95.2%). At 6 months after surgery,best-corrected distance visual acuity was 20/40 or better in about 52% of eyes. After follow-up of 12to 36 months, all eyes maintained a clear visual axis Complications included early anterior chamberfibrous exudation (23%) that responded to topical anti-inflammatory treatment, limited iris posteriorsynechia (16%), and superficial IOL deposits.

"Between 75% and 100% of pediatric eyes develop posterior capsule opacification after ECCE. Thetechnique of PCCC with IOL optic capture prevents this phenomenon by creating tighter contact of theIOL with the posterior capsule to prevent migration of lens epithelial cells. A Soemmering's ring isformed, the capsular sac is blocked, and a clear visual axis maintained," said Dr. Jia.