Purpose: To evaluate the performance of silicone elastomer lenses in pediatric eyes with aphakia.
Methods: We retrospectively studied pediatric aphakic eyes fit with Silsoft lenses (elastofilcon A, Bausch & Lomb) at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, India.
Results: Seventy-four children (106 eyes) with a median age of 9.0 months (range: 1 month to 12 years) were included in the study. Congenital cataract was the pre-existing pathology in 84 eyes. Lenses were fit between 1 week and 5 years following surgical intervention (median: 25 days). The most frequently used base curves were 7.5 mm (n=46 eyes) and 7.7 mm (n=39 eyes); lens diameter was 11.3 mm (n=103 eyes). Satisfactory fit was achieved in 86 eyes (81.1%). One-week extended wear was the most commonly recommended mode of wear (n=95 eyes). Lenses (n=118) were replaced for change of power, lens loss, and deposits or damage. Lenses were worn for > or =6 months in 68 eyes (64.2%). Twenty-three contact lens related adverse events occurred, all of which resolved uneventfully. On survival analysis, the probability of not having a lens related complication was 75.5% (95% CI; 61.5-89.5) at 24 months.
Conclusions: In the management of pediatric aphakia, Silsoft lenses are safe, provide satisfactory optical correction, and are easy to handle. Limited availability and the financial costs associated with frequent lens replacement are limitations in our socioeconomic circumstances.