Intraocular lens explantation in uveitis.

Visual rehabilitation after cataract surgery has been improved with the development of IOLs. These lenses are well tolerated in many uveitis patients when complete control of preoperative inflammation is achieved. However, in some patients, IOL placement after cataract extraction results in chronic inflammation, deposition of inflammatory cells and debris on the IOL surface, and inflammatory membrane formation despite antiinflammatory coverage. Patients with systemic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, such as sarcoidosis and JRA, and those with chronic ocular inflammatory conditions or inflammation involving the intermediate segment of the eye may be at high risk for these complications. In patients in whom antiinflammatory therapy fails, adequate control of inflammation may be achieved after lens explantation.