Visual outcome and complications in Ab-externo scleral fixation IOL in aphakia in pediatric age group

Objective: to assess the visual outcome and complications in patients after ab-externo scleral fixation of intraocular lens in pediatric age group (15 years or less). methods: this quasi experimental study was conducted at isra postgraduate institute of ophthalmology, al-ibrahim eye hospital, karachi, from january 2012 to december 2012. all cases included were worked up according to the protocol. all patients underwent ab-externo scleral fixation of iol under general anesthesia. patients were followed up at 1stday, 1stweek, 1stmonth, 2ndmonth and 3rdmonth. complete eye examination including best-corrected visual acuity and complications were noted on each visit. results: thirty patients were included in the study, with mean age of 8.6 years (±3.93569). most of the patients, 20 (66.7%), had visual acuities of 6/18 or better. no complication was seen in 18 (60%) of the patients intra operatively while soft eye was observed in 7 (23.3%) of the patients. another complication noted was vitreous hemorrhage, which was seen in 5 (16.7%) patients. most common post-operative complication was uveitis followed by astigmatism. lens dislocation and iris abnormalities were seen in only one patient. most of the patients showed significant visual improvement after surgery. conclusion: ab-externo scleral fixation of an iol was found to be safe and showed favorable postoperative results with fewer complications.