Cataract extraction in patients with chronic posterior uveitis

The surgical management of cataract in patients with chronic posterior uveitis is described. Of 41 eyes, 88% acquired improvement of the visual acuity 4 months postoperatively, which then remained stable in most of the cases during a follow-up of one year. The type of cataract extraction, extracapsular or intracapsular, did not influence these results, nor did the implantation of an intraocular lens. Recurrence of the uveitis occurred in about one third of the cases. Postoperative complications consisted of macular edema, retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage.