Cataract surgery in patients with Mooren's ulcer.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of cataract surgery in patients with Mooren's ulcer.

SETTING

Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.

METHODS

In this interventional case series, the medical records of 6 patients with Mooren's ulcer who had cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Five patients had uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and 1 patient had phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. The visual acuity and postoperative course of the patients were reviewed. The patients were followed to detect, and if present treat, a recurrence of Mooren's ulcer.

RESULTS

The follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years. The preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/60 to hand movements. Postoperatively, the best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/20 to counting fingers close to face. Mooren's ulcer recurred 8 months after surgery in 1 patient and was treated appropriately.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that cataract surgery can be safe in patients with Mooren's ulcer and visually significant cataract. Performing surgery in a quiet, noninflamed eye improves the prognosis in these cases.