Changes in astigmatism after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation in children

Purpose To evaluate the post-operative changes in astigmatism in pseudophakic eyes in children. Methods The charts of children who had undergone surgery for non-traumatic cataract were retrospectively reviewed. In 10 eyes with astigmatism of 3.0 D or more, the refraction was tested and recorded at 1 week, 3 months and 5 months post-operatively. Results Mean astigmatism 1 week postoperatively was 6.2 +/- 2.7 D (range 3.0-11.0 D). Thereafter, the astigmatic component of the refractive error underwent a spontaneous steady decline, reaching a mean value of 1.2 +/- 1.1 D (range 0-3.0 D) 5 months after surgery. The change in the difference between the mean values at 1 week and at 5 months was statistically significant (p = 0.0002). Conclusions Children who underwent cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation showed a significant spontaneous reduction in astigmatism post-operatively. This finding suggests that there is no need to remove sutures in order to achieve reduction of postoperative astigmatism in these children.