Uveal effusion after cataract surgery: an echographic study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of uveal effusion after cataract surgery and to relate its presence to selected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables.


METHODS
Prospective consecutive observational case series.


METHODS
Two hundred seven eyes of 205 subjects undergoing cataract surgery.


METHODS
Several preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of potential significance in uveal effusion after cataract surgery were studied. On the first postoperative day and within 2 weeks after the surgery, subjects were examined clinically and echographically with B-scan for evidence of suprachoroidal (uveal) effusion. When effusion was present, follow-up examinations were performed until complete resolution was documented.


METHODS
Echographic presence of uveal effusion in the postoperative period.


RESULTS
Uveal effusion was documented echographically in 12 patients (5.8%). Only one of these cases was clinically evident. All effusions were small and resolved with no intervention. The presence of postoperative hypotony related to wound leak (intraocular pressure <10 mmHg) was significantly correlated with uveal effusion after cataract surgery (P<0.0001). The combination of oral acetazolamide and topical pilocarpine gel given after the surgery also correlated with effusion (P<0.02). Intraoperative complications and prolonged phacoemulsification time were not shown to be risk factors for effusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Uveal effusion is rarely seen after modern, small-incision, closed-system cataract surgery. It is correlated with postoperative hypotony related to wound leak and with the administration of both oral acetazolamide and topical pilocarpine after surgery.
Sabti
K
K
Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Lindley
S K
SK
Mansour
M
M
Discepola
M
M
D000086:Acetazolamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015862:Choroid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D015814:Ocular Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014945:Wound Healing
D010862:Pilocarpine; D000086:Acetazolamide