Material and methods: Records of 21 patients with unilateral congenital or juvenile cataracts who were operated in Gazi University Hospital between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Anterior capsulotomy, lens aspiration, posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy were performed. Primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed in cases older than 1 year of age. Secondary IOL implantation was performed after 2 years of age in those who left aphakic. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refraction error, compliance with amblyopia treatment and complications were evaluated.

Results: The mean follow-up was 43 (6-108) months. The mean age at the time of surgery was 5 (1-10) months for the 14 cases with congenital onset and 4 (1.5-15) years for the 7 cases with juvenile onset. Six of the 14 patients who left aphakic under one year of age underwent secondary IOL implantation at an average of 35 month. The fi nal VA was 0.64logMAR in the congenital group and 0.19logMAR in the juvenile group (p=0.02). 28.6% of congenital cases were operated in the fi rst 6 weeks of life. Surgery in the fi rst 6 weeks provided better visual outcome than did late surgery (?6 weeks=0.30logMAR,> 6 weeks=0.77logMAR, p=0.012). The most common complication was deprivation-induced strabismus (29%). PCO was not seen in any of the patients. Glaucoma was observed in one case.

Conclusion: Good visual results can be obtained with early surgery and effective amblyopia treatment in unilateral childhood cataracts. Families should be well informed, and amblyopia treatment and regular follow-up examinations should be started promptly. Keywords : Pediatric cataract, congenital cataract, juvenile cataract, unilateral cataract, visual prognosis