Intraoperative use of intravitreal triamcinolone in uveitic eyes having cataract surgery: pilot study

Intravitreal versus Oral Steroids for Inflammation Control in Uveitic Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery

BACKGROUND

This prospective experimental study was conducted on 40 eyes of 40 patients with complicated uveitic cataracts to compare a single intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) with oral steroids for inflammation control after cataract extraction.

METHODS

The IVTA group (19 eyes) received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg/0.1 ml triamcinolone acetonide intraoperatively, and the oral steroid group (19 eyes) received oral steroids peri-operatively. Two patients had to be excluded from the study because they underwent extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), instead of phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in the anterior chamber cell and flare response between both groups initially, but by the last follow-up, this became insignificant. None of the patients in each group experienced a recurrence of uveitis nor developed cystoid macular edema. Five patients in the oral steroid group had IOP >21 mmHg post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

A single injection of 4 mg IVTA has similar efficacy to peri-operative oral steroid administration.

Intravitreal injection versus systematic treatment in patients with uveitis undergoing cataract surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Cataract surgery in patients with uveitis is challenging, and postoperative inflammation control is crucial for successful outcomes. No consensus exists regarding the optimal method of controlling postoperative inflammation. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the outcome of intravitreal injection (IVI), including steroid (triamcinolone acetonide) or steroid implant (dexamethasone), with systemic anti-inflammatory therapy (ST), such as systemic steroids with or without immunomodulatory therapy, in patients with uveitis undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparative cohort studies, and case-control studies published through May 2021 that compared intraoperative IVI of triamcinolone acetonide or steroid implant with ST with or without immunomodulatory therapy. The following outcomes were evaluated: preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, laser flare photometry, central macular thickness and cystoid macular edema rate.

RESULTS

Five studies were selected. Our analysis indicated that compared with ST, IVI treatment may be associated with less anterior chamber inflammation and a lower cystoid macular edema rate, but the difference in best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, or central macular thickness was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

IVI of steroid or steroid implants might be beneficial in controlling postoperative inflammation for uveitis cataract, especially in patients who cannot tolerate ST. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of intraoperative IVI of steroids with standard-of-care treatment as a prophylaxis for uveitis cataract. However, large-scale RCTs are warranted to compare the IVI of steroid implants and steroids.

Intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection for prevention of postoperative inflammation and complications after phacoemulsification in patients with uveitic cataract

Background

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification with intravitreal 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide injection in preventing postoperative inflammation and complications in patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis and panuveitis complicated cataract.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study, 140 uveitic cataract patients who received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in Shanxi Eye hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were reviewed. The IVTA group (51 eyes of 41 patients) received intravitreal injection of 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide (TA) at the end of surgery, and the control group (51 eyes of 41 patients) without injection matched by propensity score matching were enrolled. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber inflammation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density, central macular thickness and complications within 3 months follow-up.

Results

The degree of postoperative anterior chamber inflammation in the IVTA group was lighter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative logMAR BCVA of anterior uveitis was better and improved more quickly in the IVTA group(P < 0.05). Postoperative time of using corticosteroids was shorter in the IVTA group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The central macular thickness at postoperative month 1 was statistically significantly lower in the IVTA group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative corneal endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure (P > 0.05). Two of 51 eyes (3.9%) in the IVTA group and 8 of 51 eyes (15.7%) in the control group had recurrence of uveitis; 6 of 45 eyes (13.3%) in the control group developed cystoid macular edema but none in the IVTA group; 11 of 51 eyes (21.6%) in the IVTA group and 22 of 51 eyes (43.1%) in the control group developed posterior synechiae postoperatively.

Conclusions

Intraoperative Intravitreal injection of 3 mg TA is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for preventing postoperative inflammation and complications to promote early recovery for anterior uveitis or panuveitis complicated cataract patients following phacoemulsification.

Trial registration

This retrospective cohort study was in accordance with the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Shanxi Eye Hospital Ethics Committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for their clinical records to be used in this study.

Structural Endpoints and Outcome Measures in Uveitis

Most uveitis entities are rare diseases but, taken together, are responsible for 5-10% of worldwide visual impairment which largely affects persons of working age. As with many rare diseases, there is a lack of high-level evidence regarding its clinical management, partly due to a dearth of reliable and objective quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. This review provides an overview of available structural outcome measures for uveitis disease activity and damage in an anatomical order from the anterior to the posterior segment of the eye. While there is a multitude of available structural outcome measures, not all might qualify as endpoints for clinical uveitis trials, and thorough testing of applicability is warranted. Furthermore, a consensus on endpoint definition, standardization, and "core outcomes" is required. As stipulated by regulatory agencies, endpoints should be precisely defined, clinically important, internally consistent, reliable, responsive to treatment, and relevant for the respective subtype of uveitis. Out of all modalities used for assessment of the reviewed structural outcome measures, optical coherence tomography, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and fluorescein/indocyanine green angiography represent current "core modalities" for reliable and objective quantification of uveitis outcome measures, based on their practical availability and the evidence provided so far.

Perioperative Management of Uveitic Cataracts

Uveitis patients represent a unique subset of the population undergoing cataract surgery and pose several challenges that require special consideration and strategy. Maintenance of disease quiescence for at least three months prior to surgery maximizes postoperative outcomes, though these patients remain at increased risk for pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, which can be refractory to the traditional steroid treatments. In this review, we detail the pillars of preoperative optimization, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management of uveitic cataracts, with special attention on the evidence surrounding prevention and treatment of refractory postoperative cystoid macular edema.

Long-term effect of cataract phacoemulsification on the inflammation control and clinical outcome in uveitis patients

IMPORTANCE

Cataract is one of the most common complications associated with uveitis, and is the leading cause of vision loss in these patients.

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification on the long-term clinical outcome and inflammation control in uveitis patients.

DESIGN

Longitudinal study.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 1907 eyes with uveitis, 309 eyes underwent phacoemulsification were compared to a control group of 300 phakic eyes with uveitis.

METHOD

The risk of vision loss and macular oedema in pseudophakic eyes were compared to the phakic group. The rates of corticosteroids administration and uveitis relapse were also measured in pseudophakic eyes and compared to preoperative period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in uveitis activity post phacoemulsification by measuring rate of uveitis relapse and use of topical and systemic steroids. Also, to measure the risk of vision loss and macular oedema post surgery.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up time of 6.7 years or 2249 eye-years (EY), pseudophakic eyes had a greater risk of vision loss (hazard ratio [HR] 2.4, CI 1.4 to 4.0; P < 0.001) and macular oedema (HR 2.2, CI 1.4 to 3.4, P < 0.001) compared to the phakic uveitis group. Over 5 years post-surgery, the annual rate of uveitis relapses was less than the same period pre surgery (-1.2, 95% CI -2.0 to -0.2, P = 0.012) with no significant change in the annual rate of using topical and systemic prednisolone >7.5 mg/day.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

There was no significant increase in uveitis relapse rate post-phacoemulsification with the use of current prophylactic inflammation control measures.

Short-Term Results of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Combined with Cataract Surgery for Diabetic Macular Edema in Japan: In the Era of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of an intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (IVTA) combined with cataract surgery for diabetic macular edema (DME) resistant to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.

PROCEDURE

IVTA combined with cataract surgery was performed on 29 eyes of patients with DME (aged 70.5 ± 6.2 years) who were refractive to anti-VEGF treatments. The visual acuity, central retinal thickness (CRT), and the central retinal sensitivity were assessed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the treatment.

RESULTS

The visual acuity improved significantly from 0.49 ± 0.30 logMAR units to 0.35 ± 0.33 logMAR units at 24 weeks after the treatment (p < 0.05; repeated ANOVA). The CRT decreased significantly from 435.1 ± 112.3 μm to 350.8 ± 123.3 μm at 12 weeks after the treatment (p < 0.05). The retinal sensitivity threshold also improved significantly from 18.2 ± 4.3 dB to 20.4 ± 3.8 dB at 4 weeks after the treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IVTA combined with cataract surgery is effective for successful treatment of eyes with DME refractive to anti-VEGF therapy.

Decision-making and management of uveitic cataract

The visual outcome of uveitic cataract surgery depends on the underlying uveitic diagnosis, the presence of vision-limiting pathology and perioperative optimization of disease control. A comprehensive preoperative ophthalmic assessment for the presence of concomitant ocular pathology, with particular emphasis on macula and optic nerve involvement, is essential to determine which patients will benefit from improved vision after cataract surgery. Meticulous examination in conjunction with adjunct investigations can help in preoperative surgical planning and in determining the need for combined or staged procedures. The eye should be quiescent for a minimum of 3 months before cataract surgery. Perioperative corticosteroid prophylaxis is important to reduce the risk of cystoid macular edema and recurrence of the uveitis. Antimicrobial prophylaxis may also reduce the risk of reactivation in eyes with infectious uveitis. Uveitic cataracts may be surgically demanding due to the presence of synechiae, membranes, and pupil abnormalities that limit access to the cataract. This can be overcome by manual stretching, multiple sphincterotomies or mechanical dilation with pupil dilation devices. In patients <2 years of age and in eyes where the inflammation is poorly controlled, intraocular lens implantation should be deferred. Intensive local and/or oral steroid prophylaxis should be given postoperatively if indicated. Patients must be monitored closely for disease recurrence, excessive inflammation, raised intraocular pressure, hypotony, and other complications. Complications must be treated aggressively to improve visual rehabilitation. With proper patient selection, improved surgical techniques and optimization of peri- and post-operative care, patients with uveitic cataracts can achieve good visual outcomes.

Intraoperative dexamethasone implant in uveitis patients with cataract undergoing phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To study the role of intraoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients of uveitis with cataract undergoing phacoemulsification.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 patients with uveitis and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Ten patients (10 eyes) received an intravitreal dexamethasone implant intraoperatively (implant group), and 10 patients (10 eyes) received oral steroids (steroid group). Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT).

RESULTS

The logMar BCVA improved from 0.93 ± 0.49 to 0.23 ± 0.23 and from 1.29 ± 0.47 to 0.22 ± 0.16 in the implant and steroid groups, respectively. Postoperative IOP and CMT showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. None of the patients in either group had significant IOP rise requiring any surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A single intraoperative intravitreal dexamethasone implant during phacoemulsification in patients of uveitis with cataract seems to be an effective alternative for postoperative oral steroids.

Cataract surgery in uveitis

Cataract surgery in uveitic eyes is often challenging and can result in intraoperative and postoperative complications. Most uveitic patients enjoy good vision despite potentially sight-threatening complications, including cataract development. In those patients who develop cataracts, successful surgery stems from educated patient selection, careful surgical technique, and aggressive preoperative and postoperative control of inflammation. With improved understanding of the disease processes, pre- and perioperative control of inflammation, modern surgical techniques, availability of biocompatible intraocular lens material and design, surgical experience in performing complicated cataract surgeries, and efficient management of postoperative complications have led to much better outcome. Preoperative factors include proper patient selection and counseling and preoperative control of inflammation. Meticulous and careful cataract surgery in uveitic cataract is essential in optimizing the postoperative outcome. Management of postoperative complications, especially inflammation and glaucoma, earlier rather than later, has also contributed to improved outcomes. This manuscript is review of the existing literature and highlights the management pearls in tackling complicated cataract based on medline search of literature and experience of the authors.

Intraoperative intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide for cataract extraction in patients with uveitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone injection in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction in patients with uveitis.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 30 eyes with uveitis that had phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg) was injected at the end of surgery. No systemic steroids were given after surgery.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improvement of 2 lines or more occurred in 26 eyes (86.7%). Six eyes (20%) had a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or better before surgery, which increased to 22 eyes (73.3%) after surgery. Five eyes (16.7%) had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better after surgery. Intravitreal triamcinolone injection controlled the postoperative inflammation in all eyes for at least 3 months following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal triamcinolone injection was effective in controlling postoperative inflammation after cataract extraction in patients with uveitis sparing the use of systemic steroids.

Comparison of orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide and oral prednisolone for cataract surgery management in patients with non-infectious uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide and oral prednisolone in cataract surgery in patients with chronic non-infectious uveitis with regard to visual outcome, postoperative inflammation and macular edema.

METHODS

Monocentric prospective randomized clinical trial with 40 eyes included. Patients underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular acrylic foldable lens (IOL) implantation. Patients were randomized either to intraoperative orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (TA) (1 ml = 40 mg) (group 1, n = 20), or to 4-week postoperative oral prednisolone (group 2, n = 20). Laser flare photometry (LFM), cells in the anterior chamber (AC), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOL cell deposits, cystoid macular edema (CME) by means of fluorescein angiography, and central foveal thickness (OCT), posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analysed during a 6-months period.

RESULTS

Mean BCVA postoperatively improved (p < 0.01) from logMAR 0.74 and 0.86 to 0.23 and 0.35 in groups 1 and 2 respectively.The number of AC cells, LFM and IOL cell deposits did not differ. Macular edema stayed unchanged in most cases in both groups, and mean foveal thickness (OCT) initially increased postoperatively, but after 6 months it nearly returned to baseline thickness. Differences between the groups were not significant. Up to 12% in group 1 and 28% of group 2 developed IOP elevation over 21 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

A single intraoperative orbital floor injection of triamcinolone acetonide is as effective on postoperative inflammation, macular edema, and visual outcome as a 4-week course of postoperative oral prednisolone in cataract surgery with IOL implantation in uveitis patients.

Intracameral dexamethasone reduces inflammation on the first postoperative day after cataract surgery in eyes with and without glaucoma

Purpose:

To evaluate whether dexamethasone injected intracamerally at the conclusion of surgery can safely and effectively reduce postoperative inflammation and improve surgical outcomes in eyes with and without glaucoma.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 176 consecutive eyes from 146 patients receiving uncomplicated phacoemulsification (PE) (n = 118 total, 82 with glaucoma), glaucoma drainage device (GDD) (n = 35), combined PE/GDD (n = 11) and combined PE/endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (n = 12). Ninety-one eyes from 76 patients were injected with 0.4 mg dexamethasone intracamerally at the conclusion of surgery. All eyes received standard postoperative prednisolone and ketorolac eyedrops. Outcomes were measured for four to eight weeks by subjective complaints, visual acuity (VA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative complications.

Results:

Dexamethasone significantly reduced the odds of having an increased anterior chamber (AC) cell score after PE (p = 0.0013). Mean AC cell score ± SD in nonglaucomatous eyes was 1.3 ± 0.8 in control and 0.8 ± 0.7 with dexamethasone; scores in glaucomatous eyes were 1.3 ± 0.7 in control and 0.9 ± 0.8 with dexamethasone. Treated nonglaucomatous eyes had significantly fewer subjective complaints after PE (22.2% vs 64.7% in control; p = 0.0083). Dexamethasone had no significant effects on VA, corneal changes, IOP one day and one month after surgery, or long-term complications.

Conclusions:

Intracameral dexamethasone given at the end of cataract surgery significantly reduces postoperative AC cells in eyes with and without glaucoma, and improves subjective reports of recovery in nonglaucomatous eyes. There were no statistically significant risks of IOP elevation or other complications in glaucomatous eyes.

Cataract surgery in the setting of uveitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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.

SUMMARY

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.

Comparison between intravitreal and orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide after phacoemulsification in patients with endogenous uveitis

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of intravitreal and orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on macular edema, visual outcome, and course of postoperative inflammation after cataract surgery in uveitis patients.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Monocenter study (40 patients) with chronic endogenous uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation with either 4 mg intravitreal TA (n = 20) or 40 mg orbital floor TA (n = 20). The primary outcome was influence on cystoid macular edema (CME). Secondary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber cell grade, laser flare photometry, giant cell deposition, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and intraocular pressure.

RESULTS

Mean central foveal thickness decreased in the intravitreal TA group and increased in the orbital floor TA group (P < .001 at one and three months). CME improved in 50% of patients after intravitreal TA, whereas it was unchanged after orbital floor TA (difference between the groups at three months, P = .049). Mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) improved postoperatively (P < .001) from 0.76 and 0.74 to 0.22 and 0.23 in the intravitreal TA and orbital floor TA group, respectively. Anterior chamber cell count at one month was lower in the intravitreal TA than in the orbital floor TA group (P = .02). Laser flare photometry values and giant cell numbers were slightly higher after orbital floor TA than after intravitreal TA. The groups did not differ with respect to PCO rate and ocular hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The CME improvement and anti-inflammatory effect after intravitreal TA was better than after orbital floor TA injection in cataract surgery in uveitis patients.

Intravitreal triamcinolone for intraocular inflammation and associated macular edema

Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is a corticosteroid that has many uses in the treatment of ocular diseases because of its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-permeability actions. Intraocular inflammation broadly referred to as uveitis can result from several causes, including the immune system and after ophthalmic surgery. One of the most common reasons for vision loss with uveitis is macular edema. TA has been used for many years as an intravitreal injection for the treatment of ocular diseases. Several case control studies have been reported showing the efficacy of TA in the treatment of intraocular inflammation and associated macular edema caused by Behcet's disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, sympathetic ophthalmia and white dot syndromes. It has also been shown efficacious in cases of pars planitis and idiopathic posterior uveitis. Some authors have reported its use in postoperative cystoid macular edema. Many of the studies on the use of TA in controlling intraocular inflammation and concomitant macular edema showed its effect to be transient in many patients requiring reinjection. Complications can arise from intravitreal injection of TA including elevated intraocular pressure and cataract. Rarely, it can be associated with infectious and non-infectious endophthalmitis. TA may be useful as an adjuvant in the treatment of uveitis and its associated macular edema, especially in patients resistant or intolerant to standard treatment.

Tumor volume reduction using combined phacoemulsification and intravitreal triamcinolone injection for the management of cataract with treated uveal melanoma and atypical nevi

PURPOSE

To study the reduction in tumor size and the safety and efficacy of combined phacoemulsification and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (phaco-IVTA) in patients with treated melanoma and atypical nevi.

SETTING

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, USA.

METHODS

The medical records of 49 consecutive patients (51 eyes) with treated melanoma or atypical nevi treated with phaco-IVTA were evaluated retrospectively for changes in Snellen visual acuity, tumor volume, and frequency of complications. Main outcome measures included a postsurgical change in tumor size greater than or equal to 0.5 mm of height or 1.0 mm of basal diameter by echographic analysis, improvement in visual acuity at 6 months and final follow-up, and complications including endophthalmitis, cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, increased intraocular pressure, and persistent corneal edema.

RESULTS

The median baseline visual acuity was 20/80 in the affected eye. At the 6-month follow-up examination, 13 (68%) of 19 eyes had achieved better than 20/40 visual acuity. Treated uveal melanomas (n=30) and atypical choroidal nevi (n=21) were stable with combined therapy, and echographic measurements improved in 12 eyes. Intraocular pressure increased from baseline to 25 mm Hg or more postoperatively in 4 of 51 eyes (8%). No other significant complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacoemulsification and IVTA was reasonably safe in patients with treated melanoma and atypical nevi. Tumors remained stable or decreased slightly in size. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection at the time of cataract surgery in patients with treated melanoma or nevus may reduce rates of tumor progression in these patients.

Uveal and capsular biocompatibility of two foldable acrylic intraocular lenses in patients with endogenous uveitis--a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

To compare a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic acrylic single-piece intraocular lens (IOL) in uveitis patients with respect to biocompatibility and visual outcome.

METHODS

Prospective, randomized study in patients with noninfectious uveitis after phacoemulsification and implantation of either a hydrophobic AcrySof (group 1, n = 30) or a hydrophilic Akreos adapt (group 2, n = 30), sharp-edged acrylic IOL. The primary outcome was uveal biocompatibility, detected by giant-cell deposition, anterior chamber cell count and laserflare photometry over a 6-month follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures were capsular biocompatibility, as detected by posterior capsule opacification (PCO), lens epithelial cell outgrowth and Nd:YAG capsulotomies, and visual outcome.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ with respect to anatomic type of uveitis, immunosuppressive treatment, associated systemic disease, and intraoperative manipulation. The number of giant cells on the anterior IOL surface was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.03). The number of anterior chamber cells, laser flare photometry levels, and uveitis reactivations after surgery did not differ between the groups. After 6 months, the number of patients with PCO development (p = 1.0) and Nd:YAG capsulotomies (p = 0.21), lens epithelial cell outgrowth, visual outcome and uveitis complications were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both of the acrylic IOLs used had good uveal and capsular biocompatibility, leading to significant improvement in BCVA in patients with noninfectious uveitis. No obvious differences were detected at 6 months with respect to uveal and capsular biocompatibility and visual outcome.