[Cataract in uveitis patients: extracapsular and intraocular posterior implantation results. A retrospective study of 14 eyes].

PURPOSE: Checking visual results and progression after cataract surgery in uveitis patients.

METHODS

Fourteen eyes of 13 patients were retrospectively studied after cataract extraction from December 1993 to April 1997. We describe the surgical procedure followed by the visual outcome of cataract surgery, complications, and treatment.

RESULTS

Specific uveitic syndromes were determined in eight patients. Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis was the cause in three cases, ankylosing spondylitis in one case, sarcoidosis in two cases, toxoplasmosis in one case and Birdshot chorioretinopathy in one case. Phacoemulsification was performed in 10 eyes and a manual extracapsular procedure in four eyes. Posterior chamber implantation was performed in 13 cases. Final visual acuity improved in 64% cases, from 1 to 8 lines (average 3.5). Eight eyes had visual acuity worse than 5/10, attributed to posterior segment abnormalities, in particular macular edema, which is the main limiting factor of optimal visual recovery. Capsular opacification was the most frequent complication in the anterior segment. Endophthalmitis was described in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Visual results of cataract surgery depend on different uveitic entities and on posterior segment abnormalities. Results are generally successful when uveitis is not severe and the posterior segment can be carefully observed after cataract surgery. Extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber implantation seem to be well tolerated if inflammation is perfectly under control before surgery.