Combined Phacoemulsification and Pars Plana Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Cataract in Patients With Noninfectious Uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: This work evaluates the role of combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy surgery in the management of cataract associated with noninfectious uveitis. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients aged 7 years or older who underwent a combined surgical approach from 2005 to 2018. Results: Eighty-five eyes of 67 patients were included in the study; 10.7% of eyes had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better at time of surgery. At 1-year follow-up, 63.4% of eyes had a BCVA 20/40 or better and 7.6% had a BCVA of 20/200 or worse. There was an overall decrease in cystoid macular edema after surgery compared with preoperatively (47.6% vs 34.5% presurgery and postsurgery, respectively). Complete inflammatory disease remission off immunomodulatory therapy and systemic steroids was achieved in 21.1% of patients. Conclusions: A combined surgical approach is effective in visual rehabilitation in patients with uveitic cataracts and may promote inflammatory disease remission specifically in intermediate uveitis.