Pseudophakia in children: a review of results of eighteen implant surgeons.

Intraocular lenses are a wise choice in a limited number of traumatic cataracts. It is necessary, however, to evaluate the patient very closely preoperatively to be assured that preoperative problems associated with increased postoperative complication are not present. In the proper patient, these authors feel that implant surgery is indicated. It offers a satisfactory alternative to the occasional patient that would have a functionless or amblyopic eye with a contact lens. Although the patient with a contact lens may see well with the contact in place, many are not able to wear the contact lens long enough during the day to consider it a functional success. These authors stress the use of a lightweight two-loop iridocapsular lens with one stage surgery and a short interval between the development of the cataract and the operation. Contact lenses or aphakic glasses are safe and will suffice with bilateral congenital cataracts. At the present time, further experimentation is necessary to determine if intraocular lens placement in the two-month-old infant with a unilateral congenital cataract will be safe and wil restore vision.