In the management of unilateral congenital dense cataract, the single most important factor determining visual outcome is:

• A Type and size of the cataract
• B Choice of IOL material and optic design
• C Surgical technique (aspiration vs phacoemulsification)
• D Age at surgery and duration of visual deprivation before optical rehabilitation ✓

Explanation

The visual outcome in congenital cataract is primarily determined by the duration of visual deprivation during the critical period of visual development. Dense unilateral cataracts must be removed within 6–8 weeks of birth and optical rehabilitation (contact lens or glasses) provided immediately, followed by patching of the fellow eye. Delay beyond this critical period results in irreversible deprivation amblyopia. IOL type and surgical technique are secondary to early intervention.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.