Visual Outcomes and Refractive Errors Following Cataract Surgery in Paediatric Patients at National Eye Centre, Kaduna

Paediatric cataract surgery presents unique post-operative challenges, including rapid refractive change, amblyopia, and the need for intensive optical rehabilitation that are distinct from adult cataract management. This study evaluates visual outcomes and the pattern of refractive errors following cataract surgery in paediatric patients at National Eye Centre (NEC), Kaduna, North West Nigeria. A prospective cohort study will follow 60 eyes of children aged 0 to 14 years undergoing cataract surgery over an 18-month period. Pre-operative data including age, laterality, aetiology, visual acuity, and biometry will be recorded. Intraocular lens power calculations and post-operative refractive targets will be documented. Follow-up assessments at one month, six months, and one year post-surgery will capture visual acuity, subjective refraction findings, spectacle compliance, amblyopia treatment compliance, and complications. Mixed-effects regression models will analyse predictors of visual acuity outcomes. Paediatric aphakia and pseudophakia management is particularly demanding in northern Nigeria given challenges including post-operative optical correction, patching compliance, and loss to follow-up. NEC Kaduna is the most experienced paediatric cataract surgery centre in northern Nigeria, making it uniquely suited for generating this evidence. Findings will inform the development of a standardised paediatric cataract surgery and rehabilitation protocol for adoption across northern Nigeria. Recommendations will address parent counselling, contact lens provision for aphakic infants, and social support for patching compliance. Keywords: paediatric cataract, visual outcomes, refractive error, National Eye Centre Kaduna, aphakia