[Ocular complications after renal transplantation]

Seventy-two post-renal transplant patients were studied for ocular complications. Of 72 patients, 56 (77.8%) showed some ocular abnormality. Steroid cataract was the most common complication, occurring in 45 patients (62.5%). Eleven patients (18 eyes) had undergone operations for cataract. The average of their ages was 39.7 years and the period from renal transplantation to cataract operation was 3.3 years. Postoperative visual acuity was over 20/20 in most cases. Increased intraocular pressure was encountered in 9 patients (12.5%), cytomegalovirus ocular infection in 2 (2.8%), hypertensive retinopathy in 2 (2.8%), branch retinal vein occlusion in 1 (1.4%), and subconjunctival hemorrhage in 15 (20.8%). A new immunosuppressant, cyclosporine, increased renal graft survival more than azathioprine. However, ocular complications such as steroid cataract occurred frequently in spite of the use of cyclosporine, as in the azathioprine era. In conclusion, it is necessary for renal transplant patients to receive a periodical ophthalmological check-up.