A 6-month-old infant undergoes unilateral lensectomy for a dense congenital cataract. Regarding optical rehabilitation of the aphakic infant, which statement is CORRECT?

• A Contact lenses are the preferred correction in infancy because they can be changed as the refractive status shifts with eye growth ✓
• B Spectacles are the ideal correction for unilateral aphakia in infancy because they are easily replaced
• C Primary intraocular lens implantation is preferred below 6 months of age because the capsule supports stable fixation
• D No correction is needed until the child reaches school-going age

Explanation

The infantile eye grows rapidly and its refraction changes steeply, so contact lenses, which can be repeatedly replaced and updated, are the standard first-line correction for infantile aphakia, especially unilateral aphakia. Spectacle correction induces intolerable aniseikonia in unilateral aphakia, and primary IOL implantation below about 6 months is avoided because of strong postoperative inflammation and unpredictable target refraction in a growing eye. Immediate correction is essential to prevent deprivation amblyopia.

Reference: AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 6: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 2023-2024 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.