PHARMACOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN LASER TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC SECONDARY CATARACTS: COMPLICATION PREVENTION

Аннотация

This study analyzes the effectiveness of pharmacological support in preventing complications during Nd:YAG laser treatment of secondary cataracts in children. A total of 80 children (160 eyes), aged 6 months to 12 years, were examined post-cataract surgery. A standardized postoperative regimen was used: dexamethasone 0.1% (4×/day), NSAIDs (2×/day), and tropicamide (1×/day for 7 days). In 93.1% of cases (149 eyes), the optical axis remained clear at 12 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 9.3% of eyes: increased IOP in 6.2%, transient uveitis in 3.1%. Timely medication significantly reduced risks and ensured visual rehabilitation. Individualized management enhances the safety and success of treatment. Keywords: secondary cataract, Nd:YAG laser, pediatric ophthalmology, pharmacological prophylaxis, postoperative inflammation, intraocular pressure, complication prevention Relevance Secondary cataracts are common in children after congenital or developmental cataract surgery, with an incidence of up to 60–80%. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy is a minimally invasive and effective approach for restoring visual axis clarity. However, in pediatric patients, especially those under 5 years old, the procedure carries risks of postoperative inflammation, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and recurrence of fibrosis. A tailored pharmacological strategy is essential to prevent such complications. Currently, there is a lack of standard protocols addressing medication timing, dosage, and duration for children. This study evaluates a structured medication regimen in a large pediatric cohort to establish clinical efficacy and safety. The results provide valuable insights for ophthalmologists in optimizing postoperative care. Effective pharmacological management can minimize complications and improve long-term visual outcomes, thus representing a critical component of pediatric secondary cataract treatment. The relevance is underscored by the 197 CURRENT APPROACHES AND NEW RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCES International scientific-online conference need for standardized preventive approaches in laser interventions among children. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized pharmacological protocol in preventing complications following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in children with secondary cataracts.