Epidemiology of Pediatric Cataract in a Tertiary Care Centre

Sudarshan Khokhar

PURPOSE: To assess the epidemiology of childhood cataract

SETTING: Dr RP Centre AIIMS (Apex Care Institute in India)

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all pediatric cataracts(<=14 yrs. Age) presenting between Jan. 2008 and Dec.2009 at our Pediatric Lens Clinic was done. The data was analysed by SPSS Software (version 15).

RESULTS: 65.6% of total 1047 cases were male. The mean age was 6.35 yrs +4.13 yrs. (range 0.05 yrs- 14 yrs). Development cataract was most common ( 43.3%) followed in order
by post traumatic cataract (28.7%) and after cataract (12.8%). Other cases included subluxated/dislocated cataract, complicated cataract (secondary to RD and uveitis). Rare cases including microspherophakia (16 cases), Irido-Fundal Coloboma (12 cases) and PHPV (10 cases).

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric cataract is an important cause of childhood blindness. Development and post traumatic cataract formed a majority of our cases. After cataract is still a significant problem in our country.