[Cataracts in Uveitis]

Abstract

Cataracts are a frequent complication of uveitis, and their management can be challenging. Operation planning requires knowledge of the cause (e.g., infectious versus noninfectious) and course of uveitis, including any intraocular comorbidities (e.g., macular edema). Preoperative patient selection is particularly important in uveitis patients to achieve good surgical results. Steroid-sparing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can reduce the rate of postoperative complications and can improve visual acuity. Before the operation, a stable inactivity of intraocular inflammation must be achieved. The surgical approach should be minimally invasive. Intraocular lens implantation should only be performed under stable inflammatory control. By using intraocular corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone acetonide implant, triamcinolone acetonide) the complication rate can be reduced. Postoperatively, the additional anti-inflammatory medication should be intensified and continued for up to 3 months. With careful patient selection, planning and execution of cataract surgery and postoperative care, satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes can be achieved in uveitis patients.