Comparison of the axial growth with multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses in unilateral pediatric cataract surgery

Purpose To compare axial growth in pediatric cataract patients who underwent multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation without anterior vitrectomy (AV) with that in pediatric patients who underwent monofocal IOL implantation with or without AV. Methods Patients who had unilateral pediatric cataracts and underwent surgery at 3-6 years of age from June 6, 2019, to June 30, 2020, at our institution were prospectively analyzed. The patients were categorized into Group A: multifocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger's space without AV; Group B: monofocal IOL implantation with optic capture in Berger's space without AV; and Group C: bag-in-the-lens monofocal IOL implantation with AV. Groups A', B' and C' consisted of the fellow eyes from the respective groups. Axial growth and monthly growth rates were compared among the 3 treatment groups, as well as between the treated eyes and the fellow eyes. Results Thirty-one, 23, and 14 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria, respectively, were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences in patient age at the time of surgery or preoperative axial length (P > 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 35.57 +/- 3.78 months, significant differences in the axial growth and the monthly growth rate were observed (P < 0.05), and Group A had the least axial elongation. Comparing treated eyes with fellow eyes, the amount and rate of axial growth were lower in Group A than in Group A' (P < 0.05), no significant differences were found in Group B (P > 0.05), and Group C had greater growth than did Group C' (P < 0.05). Conclusions The implanting multifocal intraocular lenses and maintenance of vitreous body integrity may be protective factors against excessive axial growth in pediatric cataract patients. Clinical trial registration (prospective study): chiCRT1900023155; 2019-05-14.