Combined phacoemulsification, primary intraocular lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy in children with uveitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of combined cataract surgery with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in children with uveitis.

METHODS

Data regarding visual acuity (VA), inflammatory status, medical therapy, and complications was collected from the medical charts of 17 children (21 eyes) with chronic uveitis who underwent combined cataract surgery and PPV at the Eye Clinic, Sahlgrenska/Mölndal, between 2002 and 2011.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent of the children had juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Median preoperative VA was 1.70 logMAR and median VA after 12 months was 0.17 logMAR. Postoperatively, glaucoma developed in 7 eyes, cystoid macular edema in 3 eyes, and visual axis opacification requiring treatment in 5 eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although combined phacoemulsification, primary IOL implantation, and PPV in children with uveitis resulted in favorable visual outcome and stable inflammation in a majority of children, the technique should so far be reserved for uveitic cases with vitreous pathology.