Breakthrough Study Reveals Insights into Glaucoma Risk Following Bilateral Congenital Cataract Surgery

In a groundbreaking prospective longitudinal cohort study conducted at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, researchers have shed light on the incidence and associated risk factors for developing suspected and definitive glaucoma in children who underwent bilateral congenital cataract (CC) removal. Identifying and understanding the risk factors associated with suspected and definitive glaucoma post bilateral CC surgery is crucial for mitigating the risk of secondary blindness in children. The study results were published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. The study, spanning a 5-year follow-up period, aimed to provide valuable insights that could lead to early intervention strategies and reduce the risk of secondary blindness in pediatric patients.

• Suspected and definitive glaucoma manifested at a mean time of 2.84 years postoperatively, with a cumulative incidence of 9.97% (35 of 351 patients).
• This included 6.12% (42 eyes) for definitive glaucoma and 2.48% (17 eyes) for suspected glaucoma.
• Microcornea, a family history of CC, and initial anterior vitrectomy were identified as significant risk factors for both suspected and definitive glaucoma.
• Primary IOL implantation emerged as a potential protective factor, significantly reducing the risk of glaucoma development.

Further reading: Wang J, Wu X, Wang Q, et al. Incidence of and risk factors for suspected and definitive glaucoma after bilateral congenital cataract surgery: a 5-year follow-up. Br J Ophthalmol. 2024;108(3):476-483. Published 2024 Feb 21. doi:10.1136/bjo-2022-322589