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 in 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 21/2 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.