Management of silicone-induced cataract in AIDS patients treated for viral retinitis-associated retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome of cataract surgery for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who underwent vitrectomy and silicone tamponade for viral retinitis-associated retinal detachment.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the data of five AIDS patients (five eyes) who had cataract within a mean period of 4 months following vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade for viral retinitis-associated retinal detachment. Phacoemulsification and implantation of a poly-methylmethacrylate posterior chamber intraocular lens were performed. The mean postoperative follow-up was 3 months.

RESULTS

Neither silicone oil loss nor retinal redetachment were reported postoperatively. Visual acuity improved in two eyes and remained unchanged in one eye. Total blindness occurred in two eyes.

CONCLUSION

Although cataract surgery in these eyes is a relative easy procedure and does not interfere with the retinal status, visual outcome remains poor because of possible postoperative optic atrophy.