Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery with IOL implantation in children in Kenya

Purpose: To investigate the cost implications, safety, and refractive outcomes of simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery (SBCS) with intraocular lens implantation in pediatric patients in a developing world setting. Methods: Children aged 3 months to 10 years with bilateral congenital or developmental cataracts who underwent surgery between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective study. Cost data were compared for simultaneous and sequential cases. Postoperative complications and refraction data were analyzed. Results: Ninety-six children (192 eyes) were included, 48 in the SBCS group and 48 in the sequential group. The mean age of the SBCS group and the sequential group was 3.4 and 4.7 years, respectively (P = .04). The total estimated surgical cost was $274 per child for SBCS and $344 for sequential surgery, a reduction of 20.3% for cases of SBCS. Fibrin formation of any amount occurred in 52 of 192 eyes (27.1%), 25 in the SBCS group and 27 in the sequential group (P = .75). Twenty-one eyes (10.9%) had additional surgery to remove visual axis obstruction, 14 in the SBCS group and 7 in the sequential group (P = .11). The incidence of early endophthalmitis in all cases of pediatric cataract surgery in an 11-year period was 0.16%. The incidence of anesthetic-related death during the same period was 0.11%. Conclusion: Bilateral simultaneous pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation may be a safe alternative to sequential surgery, with advantages in cost reduction and no difference in sight-threatening complications.