Traumatic Cataract in Children at the Bartimée Clinic: Clinical and Therapeutic Particularities and Functional Outcomes

Objective: To highlight the clinical, therapeutic and functional characteristics of traumatic cataracts in children. Methodology: This is a 4-year retrospective study. The files of patients aged 0 to 15 years who had undergone surgery for traumatic cataracts were included. Incomplete files and those who were followed up postoperatively but operated on elsewhere were excluded. Epi-info 7.4.0 was used for data analysis. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology was the classification used in this study. Results: Specifically, we had collected 75 cases of traumatic cataracts among 130 operated patients aged 0 to 15 years, i.e. 57.7%. Average age 7.3 years ± 4.6; sex ratio: 1.67. The children were in school in almost all cases, i.e. 85.3%. The consultation period > 3 months was more represented 60.0%. Gambling accidents were the most frequent of the circumstances of occurrence 36.0%; Falls and shocks against objects were the most frequent etiological agent (60.0%). Contusive lesions predominated, as well as total white cataracts, respectively 57.3% each. Phaco-emulsification was the most practiced 74.7%. The children were implanted in a second phase after managing the emergency 68.0%. Corneal edema was the most common complication 48.0%. 100% was refracted after surgery. Visual acuity ≥ 3/10 was dominant postoperatively, 58.7%. Conclusion: Traumatic cataracts in children are a real eye health problem, as they are the most common traumatic cataracts. However, the implementation of precautionary measures, specialized and early management could improve these results.