Complications After Cataract Surgery In Patients With Uveitis

To determine the outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes with uveitis, including the rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as predictors of visual outcomes.

The research was performed from January 2020 until December 2024 at Clinic of ophthalmology, University Clinical Center of Kragujevac.

This is a hospital-based, retrospective study. The patients were recruited for the outdoor department of Clinic for cataract surgery. We recorded every intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as visual outcomes. 

51 eyes of 41 subjects were included. Median duration of uveitis prior to cataract surgery was 2.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 5.2) and median period of quiescence prior to surgery was 0.9 years (IQR 1.5). Additional procedures (posterior synechiae peel [56.4%] and vision blue [34.1%]) were common. Intraoperative complications occurred in 12 eyes (6.8%). Consultants were the primary surgeons in the majority (91.5%) of operations. By 12 months, visual acuity was 20/50 or better in 40 eyes (79.7%). The most common postoperative complication was uveitis flare, occurring in 56.5%. Postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) developed in 5 eyes (9.6%).

Cataract surgery in patients with uveitis is very complex. The rates of complications-intraoperative and postoperative, are low in experienced surgeons, as well as in patients with planned preoperative preparation. Postoperative care and monitoring are very important for preventing uveitis relapse and CME.