Cataract surgery in the setting of uveitis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe recent evidence from the literature concerning optimal treatment of cataract in patients with concomitant uveitis.


RESULTS
Optimal treatment of cataract in the setting of uveitis requires optimal management of uveitis, including appropriate diagnostic workup and scrupulous attention to preoperative preparation, intraoperative technique, and postoperative management. Recent literature suggests high rates of recurrence of certain forms of uveitis (such as ocular toxoplasmosis) after surgery, suggesting that perioperative prophylaxis may be warranted. Placement of intraocular lenses in the setting of certain forms of uveitis, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis, remains controversial. Although excellent outcomes can be achieved with many types of intraocular lenses, several recent studies have suggested that the incidence of postoperative complications may be lower in patients receiving acrylic intraocular lenses compared with other materials. Recent long-term outcome studies in cohorts of uveitis patients undergoing cataract surgery suggest very good outcomes in the majority of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Provided the unique challenges of cataract surgery in the setting of uveitis are recognized and appropriately addressed, excellent visual outcomes can be achieved in most patients.
Van Gelder
Russell N
RN
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. russvg@u.washington.edu
Leveque
Thellea K
TK
D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy