Surgical outcomes of complicated cataract with pediatric trematode granulomatous uveitis

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of complicated cataract with pediatric trematodal granulomatous uveitis (TGU). METHODS: Patients of cataract with TGU in the membranous (inactive) stage underwent cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Preoperative history and ophthalmic examination were conducted for all cases, whereas Schimphlug imaging and corneal topography were done for some patients. Postoperative follow up was done on the 1st, 2nd, and 5th postoperative days after surgery. Then, it was done at least at one, three, and six months postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and the methods of their management were reported. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 12 male children were included in this study ranging from 8 to 16y. The mean best corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved from 0.09 +/- 0.06 preoperatively to 0.37 +/- 0.11 at the final visit 6mo postoperatively (P<0.001). Schimphlug imaging and corneal topography showed flattening of the anterior surface of the inferior cornea. Intraoperative difficulties and complications included the poor dilatability of the drown down pupil, strong posterior synechia between the anterior lens capsule and the iris at the site of the inferior retrocorneal vascularized membrane and hyphema. All cases underwent primary hydrophobic IOL implantation. CONCLUSION: Surgery for this type of cataract is relatively safe and effective. It is associated with some specific difficulties and complications that should be considered during surgery and follow up.