Cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in children.

As in the past, the current literature on childhood cataracts demonstrates the need for early diagnosis, surgical treatment that is quite different from adult cataract surgery, and prompt and adequate optical correction, as well as long-term and conscientious amblyopia therapy in cases of uniocular cataract. The choice of optical correction continues to generate controversy. Contact lenses, intraocular lenses, and epikeratophakia all have their advocates. Although contact lenses are still the most common option, interest in using intraocular lenses in children has grown. Over the past year, however, two disturbing reports of complications due to intraocular lens implants were published. Treatment of childhood cataracts remains more challenging than treatment of cataracts in adults, and indications for particular approaches to optical rehabilitation in the pediatric population continue to evolve.