Ultrasonic fragmentation of cataract in uveitis

Thirty-nine eyes with uveitis from various causes, and complicated by cataract and vitreous opacification, underwent pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy by ultrasonic fragmentation. Anatomical results were excellent, with clearing of all lens and vitreous opacities in all eyes. Visual results showed that there was no exacerbation and no recurrence of uveitis. Visual results depended mainly on the presence of previous damage of the uveitis to the retina and optic nerve. Visual results did not depend on the presence of uveitis activity at the time of the surgery. Complications that occurred were cystoid macular edema, which was present in 17.94% of the eyes and diagnosed in some eyes at the surgery, retinal detachment in one eye (2.56%), sterile hypopyon in one eye (2.56%), and ultrasonic lesion of the retina in one eye (2.56%). Visions of 20/20 to 20/40 were obtained in 23% of the eyes, 20.5% had vision between 20/50 and 20/80, and 56.4% had vision of 20/100 or less. The good results justify the surgical intervention in cases of cataracts associated with uveitis. Pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy appears to be the procedure of choice in removal of cataracts secondary to uveitis.