Phacoemulsification in patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis

To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification with capsular bag fixation of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), acrylic, or silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with complicated cataract resulting from Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis (FHU).

Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

This study evaluated 20 eyes of 19 patients with FHU and cataract who had uneventful phacoemulsification with endocapsular implantation of an IOL and completed a 1-year follow-up.

Preoperatively, loss of the iris collarette and fine keratic precipitates were seen in all 20 eyes, iris heterochromia in 16, iris atrophy in 12, and iris nodules in 2. Fourteen eyes had mild or negligible preoperative anterior chamber inflammation. No eye had increased intraocular pressure. An acrylic IOL was implanted in 10 eyes, a silicone IOL in 4, and a PMMA IOL in 6. There were no significant differences in outcomes among the 3 IOL groups. Three patients had intraoperative hyphema that resolved spontaneously. Postoperatively, 16 eyes had mild anterior chamber reaction. Four patients had significant anterior chamber inflammation necessitating the use of frequent topical steroids. No case had secondary glaucoma or posterior synechias. The best corrected visual acuity was 6/5 in 6 eyes, 6/6 in 11, and 6/9 in 3.

Uneventful phacoemulsification with endocapsular IOL implantation visually rehabilitated patients with FHU. All 3 IOLs yielded similar results except for increased early postoperative inflammation and late dense anterior capsule opacification in the silicone group. Further studies comparing the outcome of different IOL materials are required to determine their effectiveness in patients with FHU.