Cataract management in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: simultaneous versus secondary intraocular lens implantation

Abstract

Purpose: To compare primary versus secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after cataract removal in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: Retrospective interventional study. Data were obtained for 40 children (40 eyes) with JIA-associated uveitis operated on for cataract before the age of 16 years between January 1998 and January 2005.

Results: Twenty-one patients underwent primary IOL implantation at a mean age of 13.1 ± 2.6 (9-16) years. Mean follow-up was 48.2 ± 5.4 (35-64) months. Nineteen patients underwent cataract removal at a mean age 12.3 ± 2.0 (9-16) years and secondary IOL implantation 13.6 ± 0.3 (11-16) months later. Mean follow-up was 47.2 ± 6.5 (32-64) months. BCVA difference between the two groups was significant at 24-month visit only (p = 0.001). Incidence of secondary glaucoma was significantly lower in the group that underwent secondary IOL implantation (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Secondary IOL implantation after cataract removal in children with JIA-related uveitis provided a significantly lower incidence of secondary glaucoma.