Central corneal thickness profile in relation to pediatric cataract morphology

Several studies have demonstrated that central corneal thickness (CCT) increases in pediatric eyes after cataract extraction with or without intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. This thickening has been hypothesized to be the result of endothelial dysfunction caused by direct trauma during surgery, toxic effects of irrigating fluids, or postoperative inflammation. Limited literature is available regarding the preoperative profile of CCT in pediatric cataract eyes. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the differences in the mean preoperative CCT in eyes with pediatric cataract related to the presence or absence of persistent fetal vasculature.