Abstract

FR.19.03

Development of visual acuity after bilateral cataract surgery in children with congenital cataract – partnership of St. Joseph Hospital Kinshasa and eye department of Rostock University

Kraak R.¹, Guthoff R. F.¹, Hopkins A. D.², Kilangalanga N.^2
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Rostock, ²Hopital St Joseph, Kinshasa

Objective: Since 2002 there is cooperation between St. Joseph Hospital Kinshasa and the Eye Department of the Rostock University. Over 600 cases were operated, almost 200 children with bilateral congenital cataract.
Methods: This retrospective study includes 61 children with history of bilateral extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of an intraocular lens, aged 1 to 14 years (6,8±4,0 years) at time of surgery. Current refraction and visual acuity was measured and supply of adequat spectacles was checked.
Results: Preoperativ best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the better eye in 53 (87%) children was not better than finger count, could not be measured or was not documentated. In the other 8 (13%) children visual acuity was 0,14±0,05. At time of examination on an average of 3,7 years post. op. BCVA in the better eye was in 14 (23%) children not better than finger count or could not be measured. In the other 47 (77%) children BCVA was 0,34±0,19. In worse eye BCVA was not better than finger count in 20 (33%) children. In the other 41 (67%) children BCVA in the worse eye was 0,28±0,13. Reading ability (BCVA of the better eye ³0,4) we found in 14 (23%) children. Only 23% of the children had adequat spectacles.
Conclusions: Bilateral extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of an intraocular lens in children with bilateral congenital cataract leads in most cases to an increase of BCVA and life quality. Further cooperation should more consider adequat supply with spectacles after surgery.

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