Long-term results of cataract surgery in patients with anterior uveitis

Purpose

This study was aimed to assess the long-term results of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in patients with anterior uveitis.

Methods

Patients with complicated cataract secondary to anterior uveitis who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included in this study. Long-term results and all complications were evaluated throughout the postoperative 4 years.

Results

A total of 55 eyes of 48 patients were identified in this study. Cases with anterior uveitis were categorised into four aetiologic groups. Of the 55 eyes, 22 (19 patients) had idiopathic anterior uveitis, 10 (9 patients) had viral anterior uveitis, 10 (9 patients) had Fuchs’ anterior uveitis and 13 (11 patients) had anterior uveitis associated with collagen vascular diseases. Preoperative macular oedema was more frequent (63.6%) in the idiopathic group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). The success rates of the best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better ranged from 80.0 to 100.0% in the groups. While postoperative increased intraocular pressure rate was statistically significantly higher in the Fuchs’ group (p = 0.047), there was no statistically significant difference in other complication rates between the groups.

Conclusions

The long-term outcomes of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in patients with uveitic cataract were satisfactory with excellent visual acuity and relatively low complication rates.