Intraocular lens power calculation in children.

With improving surgical technique and equipment, the acceptable age for placing an intraocular lens in infants and children is becoming younger. The tools for predicting intraocular lens power have not necessarily kept up, as current theoretical and regression intraocular lens power prediction formulas are largely based on adult eyes at axial lengths, anterior chamber depth, and keratometric values much different than those seen in infants. In addition, the adult eye has matured and is no longer growing, whereas the eyes of infants and children may continue to note changes in axial length, keratometric values, and possibly optical characteristics. Another source of error in intraocular lens power selection that is more likely to occur in pediatric patients than in adult patients is inaccuracy in measurement of axial length or keratometric power. A review of current tools and considerations for intraocular lens power prediction in infants and children is presented.