Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography measurements of central foveal thickness before and after cataract surgery in children.

PURPOSE: To compare macular thickness before and after cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in pediatric eyes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University Eye Clinic, San Giuseppe Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

METHODS

The study analyzed spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images of the macula in pediatric eyes in which cataract surgery had been performed and that were examined preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 11 patients (11 eyes) was 5.8 years ± 2.2 (SD) (range 3 to 14 years). The mean macular thickness at 1 month and 3 months was significantly higher than at baseline (273.7 ± 26.8 μm and 266.0 ± 22.8 μm, respectively, versus 244.8 ± 19.5 μm; P < .0001). It reached the baseline value after 3 months and remained stable over the 12-month follow-up. The mean thicknesses at 6, 9, and 12 months were 249.1 ± 17.6 μm, 245.7 ± 18.5 μm, and 246.2 ± 18.1 μm, respectively (P > .05 versus baseline).

CONCLUSIONS

Spectral-domain OCT was useful in evaluating the macular changes in the eyes of a cohort of pediatric patients 3 years and older. Cystoid macular edema was not observed during the 12-month follow-up.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.