Clinical results of phacoemulsification in patients with uveitis.
To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis.



Review of records of 37 eyes of 31 patients with uveitis (14 men and 17 women; mean age, 49.8 years; age range, 26 to 71 years) who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. The data recorded were age, gender, IOL type, treatment modalities, final visual outcome, and complications.



Panuveitis, anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, and intermediate uveitis were detected in 16 (51.6%), 9 (29.0%), 5 (16.1%), and 1 (3.3%) of the patients, respectively. At 6 months postoperatively, 32 (86.5%) eyes had achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and 22 (59.5%) eyes had a visual acuity of 20/20. Five (13.5%) eyes showed limited improvement in postoperative visual acuity due to posterior segment problems. Postoperative recurrence of inflammation occurred in 12 eyes (32.4%) of 10 patients and was treated and controlled with medical therapy.



When inflammation in uveitic eyes is under complete control, phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable acrylic IOL in the posterior chamber is safe, effective, and tolerated well. To minimize vision-limiting complications, these patients must be observed closely after surgery, and must be treated aggressively if the inflammation recurs.
Akova
Yonca A
YA
Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 10. Sokak No:45 Bahçelievler, 06490 Ankara, Turkey.
Küçükerdönmez
Cem
C
Gedik
Sansal
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications*; D014792:Visual Acuity