Comparative analysis of the eye function and complications after removal of complicated cataract due to uveitis and senile cataract

Introduction
retrospective, comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the results among patients who underwent removal of complicated cataract due to uveitis and senile cataract.

Material and methods
Patients with cataract enrolled in this study were divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised 30 eyes with complicated cataract due to uveitis. The main causes of uveitis were: rheumatoid arthritis in 8 eyes, ankylosing spondylitis in 7, Reiter syndrome in 3, psoriatic arthritis in 3, systemic sarcoidosis in 2, posttraumatic uveitis in 1. In 6 patients (6 eyes) the etiology of uveitis was unknown. Group 2 comprised 30 eyes with senile cataract. In 5 patients in each group there were coexisting glaucoma. In both groups phacoemulsification or phacoaspiration and foldable three piece IOL implantation were performed. The follow-up period was12 months. Best corrected visual acuity and intra and postoperative complications were taken into consideration.

Results
There were no differences in gender and cataract hardness between the two groups. Significantly younger patients were in group 1 p< 0.01. Mean preop./ postop. visual acuity was better in group 2 as compared with group 1: 0.4/ 0.8 and 0.2/ 0.5, respectively, p< 0.01. In both groups however, the preoperative visual acuity was significantly lowest in patients with coexisting glaucoma: group1, 0.1 p< 0.01 and in group 2: 0.25 p< 0.001. Significantly more frequent intraoperative complications were observed in group 1 as compared with group 2 e.g., corneal burn 10% and 6.6%, local sphincter damage 10% and 0%, zonular rupture 10% and 3.3% respectively. Similarly, in the late postoperative period more frequent complications were observed in group 1 than in group 2 e.g.: secondary cataract 50% and 13.3%, IOL decentration 40% and 6.6%, capsule contraction 80% and 10%, glaucoma 10% and 3.3% respectively. Recurrence of uveitis was observed in 30% of eyes in group 1.

Conclusions
Although the modern microsurgical technology and IOL implantation have led to more effective treatment of senile cataract, the surgery of complicated cataract due to uveitis is still not free from complications. Future surgical strategy of complicated cataract owing to uveitis has to comprise the most adequate qualification criteria e.g. choice of the optimal period for surgery and the most convenient surgical technique as well as the most effective perioperative anti-inflammatory treatment.