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Cataract is the condition of the lens of the eye becoming cloudy enough to impair useful vision. Patients with uveitis often develop cataract secondary to the inflammatory process and from the use of steroids as well. The removal of a cataractous lens in the setting of uveitis can be more complicated than typical cataract surgery, both in the surgical technique and in the pre-operative and post-operative management. It is imperative that the uveitis be well treated for several months before removing the cataract. This frequently involves the use of immunosuppressive agents. Around the time of surgery, high dose steroids may be used to pre-empt inflammation, and steroids are almost always injected in or around the eye at the time of surgery. Hooks or special instruments may be needed to dilate the pupil intraoperatively. Postoperatively, follow-up is scheduled more frequently than for typical cataract surgery patients, since the inflammation will almost certainly be more severe. When successul, cataract surgery helps improve vision for many patients with uveitis. Patients with RETINAL DISEASES who undergo VITRECTOMY
will almost invariably develop cataract as a result of the surgery,
and thus the lens is often removed at the time of vitrectomy to
preclude the need for a second surgery later. This may be performed
in a team approach, with a cataract surgeon removing the lens before
the retinal surgeon removes the vitreous and operates on the retina.
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