Phacoemulsification, primary posterior capsulorhexis, and capsular intraocular lens implantation for uveitic cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification, primary posterior capsulorhexis (PCCC), and primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for uveitic cataracts.

SETTING

Institutional practice.

METHODS

Fifteen consecutive eyes of 13 patients with various causes of uveitis received anterior capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, PCCC, and in-the-bag implantation of a heparin-surface-modified IOL for visually disabling cataract. The safety and efficacy of the combined operation were studied prospectively.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 16.9 months (range 8 to 30 months), all eyes had a clear central visual area. Fourteen of 15 eyes (93.3%) had good visual improvement after surgery. Eight eyes (53%) achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/30 or better and 6 (40%), 20/20 or better. Seventy-three percent of eyes attained a BCVA of 20/80 or better. The mean improvement in visual acuity was 5.2 Snellen lines (range 0 to 11 lines). No cases of uveitis flare-up or other major complications related to the cataract surgery occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's preliminary results are encouraging and indicate that phacoemulsification, PCCC, and IOL implantation can be considered in patients with visually disabling uveitic cataract.