[Surgical treatment of congenital nuclear cataract].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics of congenital nuclear cataract and evaluate the therapeutic effects of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in different age groups. METHOD: ECCE with or without IOL implantation was performed on 76 eyes of 38 cases with congenital nuclear cataract in different age groups. Under operative microscope, the characteristics of the opacity of the posterior capsule were described. The visual acuity and possible complications were followed up for a mean period of 6 months. RESULTS: The opacity of the posterior capsule was progressively developing, its diameter was similar to that of the opaque nucleus. The difference of the post-operative corrected visual acuity in different age groups was significant (chi(2) = 27.84, P < 0.005). The rates of the secondary cataract were negatively correlated to the age groups (r = -0.969 2, P < 0.05). In 2 eyes, slight iris capture occurred in 3 - 12 year group. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital nuclear cataract can combine with posterior capsular cataract. The etiology remains to be studied. The therapeutic effects of the congenital nuclear cataract mainly depend on the time of operation. The early treatment of post-operative complications in children is of primary importance.