AIM: To report the clinical manifestation, curative opportunity and effect of congenital cataracts with microcornea.

METHODS: The clinical materials of 18 eyes of 11 patients with microcorneas who underwent surgery for congenital cataracts from January 2000 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative examination including corneal diameter(<9.5mm), ocular abnormalities and systemic anomalies. The visual acuity and various complications were followed up for 1a.

RESULTS: The morphologic types of cataract were family history of congenital cataract(4 cases)among 11 patients. Other preoperative ocular abnormalities included aniridia(6 eyes), nystagmus(18 eyes)and primary vitreous artery residues(1 eye). Totally 11 patients(18 eyes)had been performed the following three different types of operation: 1)extra capsular extraction of cataract(ECCE)was performed in 5 eyes; 2)ECCE for the first step and posterior chamber intraocular lens(PC-IOL)for the second step was performed in 4 eyes; 3)ECCE and PC-IOL was performed in 9 eyes. Visual acuity was achieved after surgery, the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)was 0.145±0.0958(0.01-0.20). ECCE intraoperative complication was posterior capsule rupture(1 eye). The main postoperative complications were posterior capsular opacification(10 eyes)and secondary glaucoma(2 eyes).

CONCLUSION: The main complication in congenital cataracts with microcornea including aniridia, choroidal defect and nystagmus. IOL implantation can significantly improve visual acuity. Patients should pay attention to prevention corneal injury, posterior capsular rupture and etc. However, adequate management of postoperative complications, especially posterior capsular opacification and glaucoma is required.