Secondary cataract in infants after extracapsular cataract extraction and anterior vitrectomy.

Two infants developed secondary cataract after undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, posterior capsulectomy, and anterior vitrectomy. A similar complication developed in a third child, who had undergone ECCE and posterior capsulotomy. The secondary cataracts developed in these patients from 3 to 12 weeks after the primary operation. In infants, unlike adults, posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy after ECCE do not seem always to prevent secondary cataracts. In infants, the complication may be related to IOL implantation.