[Refractive outcome in bilateral congenital cataracts. A longitudinal study].

Refraktive development in seven patients operated on early in life for bilateral congenital cataract has been documented over periods of 6-11 years. Attenuation of hyperopia was seen in four patients during the first 4 years of life, and even later in some of them. The three other patients did not show any considerable refractive changes. A refractive change can occur as a sudden event during the first 2 years of life or be continuous during the first decade of life, the change varying over a range of 3-12 D. One patient showed an increase in hyperopia compared with the data immediately after the cataract operation. As the refractive changes varied over a range of 6 D this cannot be explained by inaccurate measuring techniques, but is interpreted as changeable refraction that may be normal in childhood. Refractive surgery, e.g. insertion of an IOL and epikertophakia, should also be discussed on individually, as refractive changes are not generally predictable.