Abstract
Purpose: :
To report long-term outcomes of cataract extraction in eyes with uveitis.
Methods: :
A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent cataract extraction during a 5 year period with minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. 47 eyes of 35 patients were included in the analysis. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis was the only exclusion criterion.
Results: :
The median visual acuity at the preoperative visit, the 5 year post-operative visit, and last follow-up (mean 98 months) were as follows: 20/1040, 20/25, and 20/25, respectively. 79% of eyes maintained best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better at the last follow-up visit. 12% of eyes had a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse secondary to pre-existing conditions or posterior segment pathology. Compared to the preoperative best corrected acuity, at the last evaluation vision was improved, unchanged, or worse in 40, 3, and 4 eyes, respectively. The mean intraocular pressure reduction was 3.13mm Hg (p=0.0006) at last follow-up. Six eyes (13%) required glaucoma surgery during the follow-up period. Twenty three eyes (49%) required posterior capsulotomy during the follow-up period.
Conclusions: :
Cataract extraction in uveitic eyes can result in long-term improvement in visual acuity with an acceptable risk profile provided there is meticulous control of inflammation. Visual outcomes are negatively impacted by pre-existing and co-morbid posterior segment pathologies.
Keywords: cataract • uveitis-clinical/animal model • small incision cataract surgery