Early congenital cataract surgery shows promising visual outcomes despite risk of complications
Congenital cataract surgery performed within the first 6 months of life can lead to better visual outcomes, particularly in terms of visual acuity, according to a presentation at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting. However, this early intervention carries an increased risk of complications, such as visual axis obscuration and glaucoma, which require ongoing monitoring.
The study included 30 eyes from 21 patients, with a mean surgical age over 3 months and an average follow-up of 2.1 years.
Of the patients, 12 had unilateral cataracts and 9 had bilateral cases. All bilateral cases received intraocular lens implants, while 3 of the unilateral cases were managed with aphakia. Glaucoma developed in 3 eyes during follow-up.
While early intervention during the critical period of visual development was linked to improved visual acuity, the procedure was associated with a notable risk of complications, including visual axis opacification and glaucoma. Final outcomes are still being analyzed as part of this ongoing study.
Reference
Vasavada V, et al. Longterm Outcomes Following Congenital Cataract Surgery Performed within the First Six Months of Life. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting; April 25–28, 2025; Los Angeles, CA.
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