The results obtained in 29 infants with congenital bilateral cataract and 24 with congenital unilateral cataract who underwent surgery at the Munich University Eye Hospital between April 1985 and August 1988 are reported. Postoperatively, the majority of patients were fitted with extended-wear contact lenses. Detailed functional results are reported on nine children with unilateral aphakia and nine with bilateral aphakia who were fitted with contact lenses within the 1st year of life. Whereas the functional results in bilateral aphakia were very satisfactory in the absence of neuroophthalmogical problems, the limited visual prognosis in unilateral aphakia continues to be a problem despite an intensive occlusion regimen. The functional results are compared with those of other authors who have used similar treatment modalities. These are discussed in terms of alternative correction modalities, i.e. intraocular lens implants and epikeratophakia.