Results of cataract surgery in children with retinoblastoma

Purpose. To present results of cataract surgery in children with retinoblastoma. Material and methods. Within the period from 2012 to 2020, cataract surgery was performed in 21 children (22 eyes) with retinoblastoma aged 28 to 155 months (average – 65 months). Tumors of group B occurred in 2 cases, group C – in 4, group D – in 14, group E – in 1. In 8 cases, cataract occurred in a single eye. Posterior capsular cataract was observed in 18 patients, total – in 3. In all cases, the presence of cataract impeded the control of the tumor. Before cataract surgery all children underwent systemic chemotherapy, some of them also underwent intra-arterial and/or intravitreal chemotherapy, external beam radiotherapy, Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery and local treatment modalities (episcleral plaque brachytherapy, thermotherapy, cryotherapy). There were no signs of tumor progression in all cases at the time of cataract surgery. The mean interval between complete tumor regression and cataract surgery was 23 months (range 6–75 months). Results. Full transparency of optical media was achieved in all eyes after surgery. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The final visual acuity was improved in 12 eyes, in the rest visual acuity could not be determined due to age. There were no signs of tumor recurrence or metastases in mean follow-up after surgery of 29 months (range 3–60). Conclusion. Our experience of cataract surgery in children with complete regression of retinoblastoma was proved to be a safe and effective way to improve visual functions and achieve transparency of optical media. Key words: retinoblastoma, cataract surgery, ophtalmooncology, functional results