Strabismus developing after unilateral and bilateral cataract surgery in children.

PurposeTo evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of strabismus in children undergoing surgery for unilateral or bilateral cataract with or without intraocular lens implantation.MethodsMedical records of pediatric patients were evaluated from 2000 to 2011. Children undergoing surgery for unilateral or bilateral cataract with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Children with ocular trauma, prematurity, or co-existing systemic disorders were excluded. The following data were evaluated: strabismus pre- and post-operation; age at surgery; post-operative aphakia or pseudophakia; and visual acuity.ResultsNinety patients were included, 40% had unilateral and 60% had bilateral cataracts. Follow-up was on average 51 months (range: 12-130 months). Strabismus was found preoperatively in 34.4% children, and in 43.3% children at last follow-up. Strabismus developed in 46.2% of children who were orthotropic preoperatively, whereas 32.3% of children who had strabismus before surgery became orthotropic. Strabismus occurred after unilateral or bilateral cataract surgery in 63.9% and 29.6% children, respectively. At the last follow-up, strabismus was found in 46.7% of aphakic and 58.7% of pseudophakic children (P=0.283). Children who developed strabismus were generally operated at a younger age as compared with those without strabismus (mean of 25.9 vs 52.7 months, P<0.001). Final visual acuity was inversely correlated with prevalence of strabismus.ConclusionStrabismus is a frequent complication after cataract surgery in children. Risk factors include unilateral cases and young age at surgery. No correlation was found between prevalence of strabismus and use of intraocular lens. Strabismus was more common in children with poor final visual acuity.