OPHTHALMOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL CATARACT IN NEWBORNS: EVALUATION OF LONG-TERM SURGICAL OUTCOMES

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital cataract is an opacification of the lens that can lead to decreased visual acuity and, in severe cases, amblyopia. Early detection and appropriate management are essential for preserving vision in newborns. Surgery is the main approach for cataract correction, and long-term results are influenced by several factors, including age at surgery, technique used, and postoperative visual rehabilitation. Studying these long-term results is crucial to improve clinical practices and ensure the best quality of life for affected patients. Objective: To evaluate the long-term surgical results of ophthalmologic management of congenital cataract in newborns. Methodology: The review was conducted following the PRISMA checklist, using the PubMed, Scielo, and Web of Science databases. Five descriptors were used: "congenital cataract", "newborns", "ophthalmic surgery", "long-term results", and "ophthalmic management". The search included articles published in the last 10 years. Inclusion criteria were: clinical studies on cataract surgery in newborns, publications in English, Portuguese or Spanish, and reports of long-term outcomes. Exclusion criteria included: articles that did not present data on surgery, unfocused systematic reviews and studies that did not address congenital cataract. Results: The results indicated that age at surgery is a determining factor in final visual acuity. The surgical technique, such as phacoemulsification versus extracapsular, also had significant implications for visual outcomes. In addition, visual rehabilitation and continued follow-up were crucial for long-term success, demonstrating that early interventions tend to provide better functional outcomes. Conclusion: Ophthalmologic management of congenital cataract in newborns, when performed in a timely manner and with adequate follow-up, demonstrated promising long-term surgical outcomes. The research reinforced the importance of early detection and selection of appropriate surgical techniques to optimize visual acuity and minimize future complications. Continuing studies in this area are essential for the development of treatment strategies and to ensure better prognoses.