LENS-SPARING VITREORETINAL SURGERY IN INFANTS

Lensectomy is routinely performed in infant eyes undergoing vitreoretinal surgery. Using a two-port system, we performed pars plicata vitrectomy and membrane peeling without removal of the crystalline lens. Surgical manipulations were done in the postequatorial region in eyes with areas of attached peripheral retina. Eight of 10 eyes showed no evidence of postoperative cataract formation. In no instance was a peripheral retinal break created. In selected cases, vitreoretinal surgery can be performed in infant eyes without the need for lens removal.