Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and optic capture of the intraocular lens to prevent secondary opacification in pediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with optic capture n preventing secondary opacification of the visual axis in pediatric eyes having cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. METHOD: Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with optic capture of the IOL was performed in 18 of 19 consecutive pediatric cataract patients (ages 2 1/2 to 12 years). Heparin-coated IOLs with 6 degree angulation of the haptics were implanted in all eyes. Only eyes with a minimum of 18 months follow-up (n = 16) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up in the 16 eyes was 35.5 months +/- 9.45 (SD), ranging from 19 to 49 months. To date, the visual axis has remained clear in all eyes. No anterior vitrectomy was purposefully performed in any eye. CONCLUSION: Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with optic capture of the heparin-coated IOL appeared to successfully prevent secondary opacification of the visual axis in pediatric cataract cases.