Cataract surgery using heparin surface-modified intraocular lenses in Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis

I prospectively studied cataract extraction with implantation of heparin surface-modified intraocular lenses (IOLs) in 20 patients with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis. The mean follow up was 14.5 months. Seven episodes of postoperative uveitis occurred, including two with fibrin deposition, but substantial giant-cell adhesion to the IOL was seen in only four cases. A visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 95% of the eyes despite other causes of visual loss such as vitreous opacities. The use of heparin surface-modified IOLs is suggested for patients with heterochromic uveitis.