Visual acuities in infants with congenital cataracts operated on prior to 6 months of age
G. L. Rogers, C. L. Tishler, B. H. Tsou, R. W. Hertle and R. R. Fellows
Seven infants with complete bilateral cataracts were operated on and fitted
with extended-wear silicone contact lenses. The infants were matched to 16
normal control subjects. A modified preferential looking technique was used
to assess visual acuity; the Bayley Scale of infant Development was
administered to measure psychological development. Of the seven infants
with cataracts, those operated on prior to 8 weeks of age seemed to have
normally developing vision. All others showed a substantial visual lag when
compared with the control group. Bayley scores for infants operated on
early (before 8 weeks) fell within the range of normal variability. The
infants operated on later demonstrated a statistically significant lag in
development. Also, a pendular nystagmus was noted in those infants with
cataracts who were operated on later.
