Cataract Surgery in the Traumatized Anterior Segment

The management of cataracts following ocular trauma is examined in this chapter. Tools used to classify and describe ocular trauma and approaches to estimate postoperative visual acuity following surgical repair will be presented. Although management strategies differ in children and adults, with regards to surgical approach and timing, excellent visual outcomes are possible. In children, it is recommended that early visual rehabilitation for the prevention of amblyopia is implemented following cataract surgery regardless of primary or secondary repair. In adults, repair may be preferred as it offers the possibility of more accurate intraocular lens power calculation to improve visual outcomes. The most commonly encountered complications in the adult population are corneal damage and increased intraocular pressure, while in children, posterior capsular opacity and amblyopia present management challenges. Excellent visual outcomes can be achieved in both populations with prompt surgical attention; the surgical approach depends on the trauma and ocular damage affecting the eye.