Cataract in HIV Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

HIV-induced AIDS attacks the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections. This syndrome has been linked to an increased risk of developing uveitis and subsequent cataracts. Consequently, cataract surgery may be associated with intra- and postoperative complications in HIV/AIDS patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of cataract surgery on individuals with HIV. The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of postoperative complications, including uveitis, as well as an analysis of potential risk factors. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, identifying a total of 828 studies. Ultimately, four studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these, three studies exhibited a moderate risk of bias, while one study demonstrated a tendency toward a higher risk. Our analysis revealed that corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved after cataract surgery, with a mean difference (MD) of -0.55 (-0.97; -0.12). This was derived from a sample characterized by heterogeneity (I² = 88%, τ² = 0.1429), with a p-value <0.01. Patients with a history of HIV-related uveitis showed less improvement in CDVA, with an MD of -0.30 (-1.03; 0.43). Regardless of the presence of prior uveitis, complications such as cystoid macular edema (CME), posterior capsular opacification, and postoperative uveitis were reported following cataract surgery. The overall prevalence of postoperative uveitis was estimated at 7% (95% CI: 1-13%) based on a random effects model, with heterogeneity measured at I² = 34%. Cataract surgery in HIV-positive patients results in significant improvements in visual acuity, although the presence of preoperative HIV-related uveitis may affect these outcomes. Postoperative complications, such as CME and uveitis, are more prevalent in this population and require careful management.