Posters

Comparative analysis of endothelial cell characteristics after congenital cataract surgery in children

Poster Details

First Author: S.Ajdakar MOROCCO

Co Author(s): S. Ajdakar   S. Belghmaidi   I. Hajji   A. Moutaouakil           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of corneal endothelial cells before and after congenital cataract surgery in children.

Setting:

Prospective study 38 eyes of 21 children with congenital cataract. Duration: 2 years Location: ophthalmology department, Marrakech University Hospital

Methods:

We conducted a prospective study of 38 eyes of 21 cooperating children with congenital cataracts. Children with history of uveitis , anterior ocular surgery or ocular trauma were excluded. The study was spread over 2 years. In all cases, cataract extraction was performed by phacoemulsifications with intraocular implantation of foldable implants without posterior capsulotomy or anterior vitrectomy. Specular microscopy was performed preoperatively, then on day 7 (D7), at 1 month (M1) and 6 months (M6) postoperatively by Topcon SP-2000P contactless microscope. The endothelial morphological characteristics studied are: endothelial cell density, mean cell surface, hexagonal percentage and central thickness of the cornea.

Results:

38 eyes of 21 children were included, the average age was 6.5 years. A comparison between preoperative and postoperative specular microscopy found: pre-operative average endothelial cell density (cells/mm²): 3280, D7: 3165; M1: 3002 and at M6: 2952; The average cell surface (mm²) increased from 316 before surgery to M1: 355  and M6: 382; the thickness of the central (μm) cornea was 525 before surgery, D7: 555, M1: 545 and M6: 532 . There was an average loss of 4 % endothelial cells at day 7; 8 % at 1 month, and 10% at 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions:

The management of congenital cataract requires rigorous postoperative follow-up with management of amblyopia, refractive errors and other complications. Maintenance of corneal transparency is essential after surgery for good visual function development. Endothelial cell losses using current surgical techniques remain within acceptable limits.

Financial Disclosure:

None