Clinical results of phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis

Abstract

Background and objective: To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis.

Patients and methods: Review of records of 37 eyes of 31 patients with uveitis (14 men and 17 women; mean age, 49.8 years; age range, 26 to 71 years) who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. The data recorded were age, gender, IOL type, treatment modalities, final visual outcome, and complications.

Results: Panuveitis, anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, and intermediate uveitis were detected in 16 (51.6%), 9 (29.0%), 5 (16.1%), and 1 (3.3%) of the patients, respectively. At 6 months postoperatively, 32 (86.5%) eyes had achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and 22 (59.5%) eyes had a visual acuity of 20/20. Five (13.5%) eyes showed limited improvement in postoperative visual acuity due to posterior segment problems. Postoperative recurrence of inflammation occurred in 12 eyes (32.4%) of 10 patients and was treated and controlled with medical therapy.

Conclusion: When inflammation in uveitic eyes is under complete control, phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable acrylic IOL in the posterior chamber is safe, effective, and tolerated well. To minimize vision-limiting complications, these patients must be observed closely after surgery, and must be treated aggressively if the inflammation recurs.