BACKGROUND: The use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-TPA) has been advocated in the treatment of postsurgical fibrinous membrane formation following cataract surgery in adults. Its use in paediatric cases is not well documented. METHOD: A retrospective review of paediatric cataract extractions performed at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1 January 1997 and 4 April 1999 was carried out. RESULTS: Cataract extractions were performed in 37 patients, 22 in males 15 in females. Four (9.2%) underwent intracameral injection of 25 microg r-TPA. They were all females of Afro-Caribbean origin. The time to injection varied from 4-14 days, mean 7.2 days. Complete resolution of the fibrinous membrane was seen in all cases. There were no complications by the 3 month follow up. CONCLUSION: r-TPA may be used safely and effectively at a dose of 25 microg for the treatment of severe fibrinous membranes following paediatric cataract extraction. It aided the visual recovery of the children and also allowed a reduced regimen of topical steroid therapy to be used postoperatively.