Surgical timing and technique critical in pediatric cataract-associated glaucoma

Having pediatric cataract surgery at an earlier age is associated with a higher risk of early-onset glaucoma-related adverse events (GRAE), according to a study.

The study analyzed 125 eyes in 94 patients who developed GRAE, including glaucoma and glaucoma suspect, after cataract surgery performed at or before age 14.

Late-onset GRAE (occurring after 1 year post-surgery) was experienced by 66.3% of patients. Younger age at cataract surgery was significantly associated with early-onset GRAE (occurring within 1-year post-surgery).

Closed-angle glaucoma was observed in 72.1% of eyes before the first anti-glaucomatous procedure. Surgical outcomes found that glaucoma valve implantation was more effective in controlling intraocular pressure than trabeculectomy, with a significantly lower re-operation rate (12.1% vs 50%, P = 0.003).

Reference
Wu N, Sun X. Factors associated with the time of glaucoma-related adverse events onset after pediatric cataract surgery and the preferred anti-glaucomatous surgical selection. Int Ophthalmol. 2025;45(1):28. doi: 10.1007/s10792-025-03412-w. PMID: 39831943.