Cataract Surgery In Children With Uveitis

The aim of this study is to present the issue of cataract surgery in pediatric patients with uveitis based on a group of patients operated on at the Ophthalmology Department of Motol and Homolka University Hospital.

Department of Ophthalmology, Motol and Homolka University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 35 eyes in 23 patients treated for uveitis who underwent cataract surgery before the age of 18 between January 2015 and March 2025. Postoperative visual acuity and the incidence and types of complications were evaluated.

Children with congenital uveitis were assessed separately because of the specific character of disease. In patients with non-congenital uveitis (25 eyes, 17 patients), visual function was moderately impaired in five eyes and normal in 20 eyes. Secondary glaucoma occurred in 18 eyes, most diagnosed before surgery. Retinal detachment was found in one eye prior to surgery. No other complications were recorded.

In the congenital uveitis group (10 eyes, 6 patients), preoperative visual acuity could not be assessed due to age. Postoperatively, visual function corresponded to practical blindness in 4 eyes, moderate to severe impairment in 3 eyes, and mild impairment in 3 eyes. Secondary glaucoma developed in 8 eyes, mostly diagnosed before surgery.

Cataract surgery in children with uveitis is specific both in its intraoperative course and in the higher incidence of postoperative complications. Careful preoperative preparation, precise surgical technique, and thorough postoperative follow-up are essential.