Cataract Extraction in Uveitis

Long-Term Visual Acuity and its Predictors after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Uveitis

Purpose.

To analyze the outcomes of phacoemulsification and posterior intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with uveitis and to determine factors responsible for poor visual outcome.

Methods.

The records of 155 patients (180 eyes) with uveitis who had phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between August 2001 and March 2008 were examined retrospectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at the immediate preoperative visit and at follow-up examinations every 3 months. At each postoperative visit, a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed. The postoperative visual outcomes and complications were analyzed. Univariate regression analysis was done to determine risk factors for poor visual acuity during follow-up.

Results.

The mean follow-up was 31.4 months (range 3–78 months). An underlying systemic disease was present in 70 (45.2%) patients (82 eyes, 45.6%). The mean preoperative logMAR BCVA was 1.13±0.62 (95% CI: 0.85–1.02) and increased to 0.42±0.57 (95% CI: 0.32–0.59) at last medical visit (p<0.001). A total of 107 eyes (59.4%) had postoperative complications including posterior capsular opacification, newly developed macular edema, recurrence of uveitis, macular epiretinal membrane, and deposits on the IOL surface. Preoperatively observed macular lesions was the factor most strongly associated with poor visual outcome after cataract surgery (odds ratio: 5.43; 95% CI: 3.41–7.34; p<0.001). Anterior segment pathologies, age at surgery, etiology of uveitis (idiopathic, uveitis associated systemic disease), and gender did not influence visual rehabilitation after surgery (p>0.05).

Conclusions.

The outcomes of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in patients with uveitis were satisfactory. Patients with observed preoperative macular lesions are at risk for poor visual outcome.

Outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with uveitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To critically assess the evidence base regarding outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitic cases.

DESIGN

Systematic evidence-based review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search query was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and CENTRAL databases. Relevant publications were identified by reviewing query results and reference list searches.

RESULTS

A total of 89 articles met eligibility criteria. Among uveitic eyes with quiet or mostly quiet uveitis before cataract surgery, 20/40 visual acuity or better (≥20/40) was achieved in 68% following phacoemulsification, 72% following extracapsular cataract extraction, and 40% following pars plana lensectomy. More eyes undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation than eyes left aphakic achieved ≥20/40 postoperatively (71% vs 52%). Eyes receiving acrylic IOLs or heparin-surface-modified (HSM) polymethylmethacrylate had better visual outcomes than those receiving non-HSM polymethylmethacrylate or silicone IOLs. Active uveitis at the time of cataract surgery was associated with worse visual outcomes. Compared with other uveitis cases, the proportion achieving 20/40 or better post cataract surgery was better for Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis cases and worse for uveitis related to Behçet disease, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease, or sympathetic ophthalmia, and also posterior uveitis in general.

CONCLUSION

Cataract surgery in eyes with uveitis resulted in normal range levels of visual acuity in most cases. The review suggests that preoperative control of uveitis, use of an acrylic or HSM IOL, and a diagnosis of Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis were associated with better outcomes. Posterior-involving uveitides tended to do worse, likely because of vision-limiting complications of uveitis. Average results may not be applicable to specific clinical scenarios.