"Comparative Analysis Of Clinical Features And Surgical Outcomes Of Post-Traumatic Cataract In Pediatric And Adult Patients: A Prospective Study From A Tertiary Eye Care Center In India"

This study aims to evaluate the surgical and visual outcomes of post-traumatic cataract management, highlighting the morphological spectrum, intraoperative challenges, and IOL preferences in the Indian subcontinent

Tertiary Eye Hospital In western India

Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted at AIIMS Jodhpur over 18 months, enrolling 108 patients with post-traumatic cataracts—38 patients ≤18 years and 70 patients >18 years. Clinical data were recorded, including age, sex, cause and type of trauma, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative challenges, complications, and final lens status. Data were analyzed and compared between the two age groups using appropriate statistical tests.

Wooden stick injuries were the most common cause across both age groups, followed by firecracker-related injuries in children. Open globe injuries were more frequent in children (63.2%) than adults (61.4%). Preoperatively, over 85% of both groups had BCVA worse than 6/60. Postoperatively, 52.6% of children and 65.7% of adults achieved BCVA ≥6/60. Intraoperative complications such as anterior capsular rupture and poor visibility due to corneal scarring were more prevalent in children. Amblyopia significantly limited visual recovery in pediatric patients.

Traumatic cataracts demand prompt, skillful surgical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation. Pediatric cases present with higher complication rates and poorer visual prognosis, primarily due to amblyopia. Early detection and tailored management strategies are vital for optimizing outcomes, especially in children.