Rate and predisposing factors for post-vitrectomy cataract formation in children
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

This study was a retrospective analysis of post-vitrectomy cataract formation in the general paediatric population. The authors aimed to determine the number of phakic children needing cataract surgery after vitrectomy surgery and related perioperative factors. The study was a 10-year review period including 293 children <18 years with history of vitrectomy surgery. Forty-four eyes were left phakic after PPV without prior significant cataract. Vitrectomy was for macular-involving retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, endophthalmitis and infections, and trauma. Age was 0.5–17 years, mean 9.8 ±4.6 years. Mean follow-up was 2.4 ±2.5 years. Seventy-point-five percent were male and 29.5% female. Cataract formation included posterior subcapsular, nuclear sclerotic, cortical and white / unclassified types. Mean time from PPV to cataract surgery was 14.3 months. Tamponade agent use (silicone) was associated with cataract development. Patients needing surgery had worse endpoint visual acuity compared to non-surgery patients. Cataract developed in 61% of phakic PPV children. Poorer visual outcomes were related to the severity of the original retinal pathology prior to PPV. The rate of cataract development was similar to adult populations.

Cataract formation following pars plana vitrectomy in the pediatric population.
Fernandez TA, Carr EW, Hajrasouliha AR.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STRABISMUS
2023;60:421–6.