Application of intraocular lens in infant cataract surgery

Cataract extraction and the intraocular lens(IOL)implantation are the first choice to cure children cataract both domestic and overseas so far. However, IOL implantation in the eyes of children, especially in infant, has always been cared by ophthalmologists. Timely implanting IOL after the cataract extraction has played a significant role in terms of the refractive correction, the establishment of visual function, the prevention of amblyopia and the reconstruction of binocular vision. However, on the issue of IOL implantation after cataract extraction, there is always controversy on cataract treatment programs for children, and the focus of the controversy is when the IOL should be implanted. Theoretically, the principle of pediatric cataract surgery is the sooner the better, aiming to remove deprivation factor, open the visual pathway, implant IOL timely, and promote the visual development. How to find both “early” and safe IOL implantation time point is undoubtedly helpful for the rehabilitation of visual function of these children. The issues on the IOL implantation after children cataract extraction both at home and abroad are summarized below