Comparative evaluation of posterior capsular opacification and Nd: YAG capsulotomy in children and adults

Objective: To compare the rate of posterior capsular opacification and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in children and adults after cataract surgery and primary intraocular lens implantation. Materials and Methods: 38 eyes of 24 children and 53 eyes of 47 adults patients who had undergone phacoaspiration/phacoemulsification surgery with primary in the bag posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation were included in the study. A retrospective analysis of data was performed. The rate of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was compared between children and adults with different type of intraocular lenses (PMMA and acrylic). Results: Age of the children ranged from 2 to 12 years and that of the adults from 47 to 80 years. PCO developed in 27.28% eyes of children with Acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) and in 75% eyes with square edge PMMA lens. PCO did not develop in any of the adult patients with either PMMA or acrylic IOL. Conclusion: Rate of PCO in children is lower with acrylic IOL as compared to square edge PMMA lens. However in adults, PCO preventing effect of IOL material seems to be immaterial in the hands of an experienced phaco surgeon.