Predicting Postoperative Myopic Shift After Paediatric Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Scoping Review of Associated Factors

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Predicting postoperative refractive development after paediatric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation remains challenging due to continued ocular growth and interindividual variability. This scoping review maps current evidence on demographic, biometric, and surgical factors influencing postoperative myopic shift in children undergoing cataract surgery with IOL implantation. <i>Methods and Materials:</i> A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from the last ten years through October 2025. Eligible studies included children (≤18 years) with congenital or developmental cataract undergoing primary or secondary IOL implantation that reported postoperative refractive change and its predictors. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data were charted on study design, age at surgery, follow-up duration, refractive and biometric outcomes, and associated predictors. <i>Results:</i> Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Younger age at surgery, shorter preoperative axial length, and unilateral cataract consistently predicted greater postoperative myopic shift. Reported myopic change ranged from approximately -1.8 D after 2 years to -11.6 D after 15 years of follow-up, correlating with the rate of axial elongation. Optical biometry and modern formulas (e.g., Holladay 1) showed lower absolute prediction error than manual A-scan or SRK-II calculations. Postoperative complications, especially glaucoma and visual axis opacification, were associated with greater refractive change. <i>Conclusions:</i> Postoperative myopic shift is a predictable, age-dependent feature of paediatric pseudophakia driven primarily by ocular growth dynamics. Standardised biometry, age-stratified refractive targeting, and integration of longitudinal growth models into IOL calculation algorithms may improve refractive predictability and visual outcomes in children.

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Journal
Medicina
Published
2026-01-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010106
Primary Topic
Intraocular Surgery and Lenses
Type
article
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article

Predicting Postoperative Myopic Shift After Paediatric Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Scoping Review of Associated Factors

Maja Bohač, Emma Orešković, Nataša Drača, Ivana Mravičić
Medicina
Intraocular Surgery and Lenses
article

Predicting Postoperative Myopic Shift After Paediatric Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Scoping Review of Associated Factors

Maja Bohač, Emma Orešković, Nataša Drača, Ivana Mravičić
article en

Abstract

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Predicting postoperative refractive development after paediatric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation remains challenging due to continued ocular growth and interindividual variability. This scoping review maps current evidence on demographic, biometric, and surgical factors influencing postoperative myopic shift in children undergoing cataract surgery with IOL implantation. <i>Methods and Materials:</i> A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from the last ten years through October 2025. Eligible studies included children (≤18 years) with congenital or developmental cataract undergoing primary or secondary IOL implantation that reported postoperative refractive change and its predictors. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data were charted on study design, age at surgery, follow-up duration, refractive and biometric outcomes, and associated predictors. <i>Results:</i> Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Younger age at surgery, shorter preoperative axial length, and unilateral cataract consistently predicted greater postoperative myopic shift. Reported myopic change ranged from approximately -1.8 D after 2 years to -11.6 D after 15 years of follow-up, correlating with the rate of axial elongation. Optical biometry and modern formulas (e.g., Holladay 1) showed lower absolute prediction error than manual A-scan or SRK-II calculations. Postoperative complications, especially glaucoma and visual axis opacification, were associated with greater refractive change. <i>Conclusions:</i> Postoperative myopic shift is a predictable, age-dependent feature of paediatric pseudophakia driven primarily by ocular growth dynamics. Standardised biometry, age-stratified refractive targeting, and integration of longitudinal growth models into IOL calculation algorithms may improve refractive predictability and visual outcomes in children.

MedicinaVol. 62(1)
University of Zagreb (HR), National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (GB), University College London (GB)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Intraocular Surgery and Lenses
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