Intraocular lens implantation versus no intraocular lens implantation in patients with chronic iridocyclitis and pars planitis. A randomized prospective study.

PURPOSE: The authors studied the safety of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis.

METHODS

The authors prospectively randomized 26 patients with chronic iridocyclitis (22 patients) or pars planitis (4 patients) to undergo IOL implantation or no IOL implantation at the time of cataract surgery.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in visual acuity results at 1 year between the two groups. There was a trend toward better visual acuity in patients with chronic iridocyclitis without IOLs. Cocoon-like dense fibrous membranes enveloped the IOL in two patients.

CONCLUSION

The authors conclude that IOLs are relatively safe in patients with chronic iridocyclitis but that only a much larger study could determine if the trend toward better visual acuity without an IOL was real.