AIM: To compare the visual results and postoperative complications of polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA)and hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses(IOLs)in children who underwent cataract extraction with primary IOL implantation.

METHODS:This retrospective study included 117 eyes of 63 children with bilateral pediatric cataract undergoing cataract surgery and primary IOL implantation. The patients were divided into two groups, Group I included 58 eyes of 30 patients with PMMA IOLs; Group II included 59 eyes of 33 patients with hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. The clinical features, refraction errors, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and surgical complications were compared between two groups.

RESULTS:The mean age at the time of surgery was 5.8(2-12)y and mean follow up period was 40.5(6-196)mo. Postoperatively, BCVA was ≥0.5 in 80 eyes(68.4%)and this was comparable in two groups. Visual axis opacification was seen in 28 eyes(48.3%)in Group I and 16 eyes(27.1%)in Group II and this difference was statistically significant(P=0.018). Postoperative IOL dislocation and posterior synechia formation were also noted. When all postoperative complications were considered, there were significantly less complications in the acrylic IOL group than PMMA IOL group(P=0.020).

CONCLUSION: Pediatric cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation is a safe procedure. Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs may lead to less postoperative complications compared to PMMA IOLs.