lensectomy and pciol implantation with and without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataracts

purpose: to compare the visual outcomes and complications of lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens (pciol) implantation with or without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy in pediatric cataracts. methods: seventeen eyes of 12 children aged 10 to 15 years with congenital or developmental cataract were randomly divided into two groups. lensectomy and pciol implantation was performed with (8 eyes) and without (9 eyes) posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy. acrysof ma60 ac was implanted in all cases. results: mean age at the time of surgery was 12.3±1.5 (range 10-15) years. patients were followed for 18.7±11.2 (range 6-36) months. posterior capsular opacity was seen in three eyes of the non-vitrectomy group; however, regarding mild opacification of the visual axis, capsulotomy was not needed in any case. all cases of the vitrectomy group had clear visual axis at final follow up. no significant difference was seen between the two groups in term of visual acuity (p=0.3). conclusion: although posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy is a safe method in pediatric cataract surgery, it may not be necessary as a routine.