Risk Factors for Development of Uveitis and Cystoid Macular Edema After Cataract Surgery

To identify risk factors for the development of uveitis and CME after cataract surgery.

Medicare patients with no known history of uveitis receiving cataract surgery between 2012 and 2015 (n = 146,536) were identified from a 5% nationwide sample of Medicare beneficiaries. Multivariable regression assessed the association between demographic factors, history of rheumatic, ocular, and systemic disease, and prior ocular procedures with the risks of postoperative anterior uveitis, panuveitis, posterior uveitis, and CME.

Black patients had higher odds of developing anterior uveitis (OR 4.58, 95% CI [4.01-5.22]) and CME (OR 1.70, 95% CI [1.48-1.93]) compared to White patients. Patients with primary open angle glaucoma (OR 1.66, 95% CI [1.43-1.91]) and CME (OR 1.18, 95% CI [1.04-1.33]) and closed angle glaucoma had higher odds of developing anterior uveitis (OR 1.57, 95% CI [1.14-2.10]) and CME (OR 1.37, 95% CI [1.04-1.78]). Patients with a history of retinal detachment repair had higher odds of developing posterior uveitis (OR 20.42, 95% CI [1.53-119.28]) and CME (OR 2.01, 95% CI [1.25-3.20]). Patients with a history of vitrectomy had higher odds of developing posterior uveitis (OR 6.02, 95% CI [1.24-19.80]) and CME (OR 4.43, 95% CI [3.64-5.36]).

Black race, open and closed angle glaucoma, and a history of retinal detachment repair and vitrectomy were risk factors for developing uveitis and CME after cataract surgery. These findings should inform postoperative management approaches for at-risk populations.