Glaucoma Secondary to Pars Plana Lensectomy for Congenital Cataract

Background: To identify risk factors related to the onset of secondary glaucoma in eyes that have undergone pars plana lensectomy for congenital cataract.

Methods: We investigated intraocular pressure levels after pars plana lensectomy for congenital cataract in 80 eyes of 44 patients who were followed up for at least 36 months. Mean age at the time of pars plana lensectomy was 11+/-18 months. Mean follow-up period was 116+/-57 months.

Results: An elevation in intraocular pressure (>20 mmHg) was found in 21 eyes of 12 patients (26%). In 7 of these 21 eyes surgical treatment was required. The incidence of the coexistence of microcornea (or microphthalmos) with congenital cataract was significantly higher in the glaucoma group than that in nonglaucoma group. The final visual acuity in the nonglaucoma group was significantly better than that in the glaucoma group.

Conclusion: Our results show the importance of careful follow-up of intraocular pressure after pars plana lensectomy for congenital cataract, especially when microcornea (or microphthalmos) is present.