Visual outcome and complications in Ab-externo scleral fixation IOL in aphakia in pediatric age group

Objective: To assess the visual outcome and complications in patients after Ab-externo scleral fixation of intraocular lens in pediatric age group (15 years or less).

Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted at Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Karachi, from January 2012 to December 2012. All cases included were worked up according to the protocol. All patients underwent Ab-externo scleral fixation of IOL under general anesthesia. Patients were followed up at 1stday, 1stweek, 1stmonth, 2ndmonth and 3rdmonth. Complete eye examination including best-corrected visual acuity and complications were noted on each visit.

Results: Thirty patients were included in the study, with mean age of 8.6 years (±3.93569). Most of the patients, 20 (66.7%), had visual acuities of 6/18 or better. No complication was seen in 18 (60%) of the patients intra operatively while soft eye was observed in 7 (23.3%) of the patients. Another complication noted was vitreous hemorrhage, which was seen in 5 (16.7%) patients. Most common post-operative complication was Uveitis followed by astigmatism. Lens dislocation and iris abnormalities were seen in only one patient. Most of the patients showed significant visual improvement after surgery.

Conclusion: Ab-externo scleral fixation of an IOL was found to be safe and showed favorable postoperative results with fewer complications.