Long-term visual outcomes and ocular complications in children with Marner's hereditary cataracts operated in the period 1940–2021

Purpose

To investigate visual development and long-term complications after cataract surgery in childhood.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included patients from a family with Marner's hereditary cataracts who had cataract surgery before 18 years of age. The study was conducted from 1 January 2022 until 31 December 2022. The patients contributed to their medical files and participated in an updated ophthalmologic examination.

Results

We included 52 patients (101 eyes, 34 females). The median age at cataract surgery was 7 years (IQR: 5–10) and the age at examination was 40 years (IQR: 21–54). Primary and secondary intraocular lens implantation had been performed in 47.5% (25 patients, 48 eyes) and 16.8% (10 patients, 17 eyes). Visual acuity was ≤0.3 logMAR in 77% (78 eyes), and <0.5 logMAR in 8% (8 eyes). Glaucoma was present in 17% (9 patients, 12 eyes), ocular hypertension in 6% (3 patients, 4 eyes), and 10% (5 patients, 5 eyes) had prior retinal detachment. Mild visual field loss (2 < mean defect (MD) ≤ 6 dB) was found in 62% (63 eyes) and moderate to advanced visual field loss (MD > 6 dB) in 24% (24 eyes). Thirty-five patients (67%) held a driver's licence, and three were not allowed to drive due to low visual function. All patients were employed.

Conclusion

After cataract surgery in childhood, many patients achieve normal visual acuity, but mild visual field loss is common. Long-term follow-up is important due to the high risk of glaucoma.