Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:49
Synthesis of Soft Polysiloxane-urea Elastomers for Intraocular Lens Application
Published on: March 8, 2019
Intraocular lens removal from [corrected] patients with uveitis
C S Foster1, P Stavrou, P Zafirakis
1Uveitis and Immunology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA. fosters@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|September 11, 1999
Summary
Intraocular lens removal can preserve vision in uveitis patients experiencing complications after cataract surgery. Early removal is key to preventing irreversible damage to the macula or optic nerve.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Inflammatory eye diseases
Background:
- Uveitis and cataract often coexist, requiring surgical intervention.
- Cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is a common procedure for visual rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate outcomes of posterior chamber IOL removal in patients with uveitis.
- To identify complications necessitating IOL explantation due to intraocular inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 patients undergoing IOL removal.
- Evaluation at a specialized uveitis referral center.
Main Results:
- Complications included perilenticular membrane, chronic inflammation, and cyclitic membrane causing hypotony.
- 14 of 19 patients showed improved or stabilized visual acuity after IOL removal.
- Vision loss in five patients was attributed to macular edema, hypotony maculopathy, retinal detachment, or vitreous hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- IOL implantation can be part of visual rehabilitation for uveitic cataract but may not always be in the patient's long-term interest.
- IOL removal can salvage vision if performed before irreversible damage occurs.
- Timely IOL explantation is crucial for managing post-surgical inflammation in uveitis patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...