Cataracts

Abstract

Cataracts are a common complication associated with uveitis as the intraocular inflammation and the most commonly used therapy, corticosteroids, can both induce lenticular opacification. Although cataract surgery is considered the most successful surgical procedure in all of modern medicine (by the American College of Surgeons), uveitic cataracts pose special challenges as the surgeon is often confronted with poor dilation, posterior synechiae, corneal opacities, unstable zonules, capsular abnormalities, and shallow anterior chambers. Aside from navigating these technically difficult surgical issues, this patient population has a propensity for robust post-operative inflammation that can negate any potential visual improvement derived from the procedure due to the possible development of macular edema, posterior capsular opacification, epiretinal membrane and glaucoma.