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Prevention and Management of Cataracts in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis–Associated Uveitis

  • PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY (TJA LEHMAN, SECTION EDITOR)
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Abstract

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis can be associated with vision-compromising complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, synechiae, and band keratopathy. Of these, cataracts are one of the most common sequelae of JIA-associated uveitis and can result in significant visual disability. Risk factors for cataracts include posterior synechiae and longstanding ocular inflammation. Prevention of cataract development is crucial through appropriate control of uveitis. However, not all preventive measures are successful, and further management consisting of medical and surgical techniques is often necessary. Various factors should be taken into consideration when deciding on cataract management, including timing of surgery and placement of an intraocular lens. Continued partnership between pediatric rheumatologists and pediatric ophthalmologists can help ensure favorable visual outcomes.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant from the American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation Career Development Bridge Funding Award, by a K23EY021760 grant from the National Eye Institute (content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Eye Institute or the National Institutes of Health), and by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to the Emory Eye Center (New York, NY).

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  1. Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA

    Sheila Angeles-Han

  2. Section of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365B Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Steven Yeh

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  1. Sheila Angeles-Han
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Correspondence to Sheila Angeles-Han.

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Angeles-Han, S., Yeh, S. Prevention and Management of Cataracts in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis–Associated Uveitis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 14, 142–149 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-011-0229-z

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