Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on intraocular inflammation using laser flare photometer in eyes with uveitis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six eyes of 55 consecutive patients followed-up at Istanbul University, Istanbul School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Uveitis Service undergoing phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation between December 2009 and April 2013 were included in this retrospective study. Clinical records of patients were analyzed for demographic data, pre-operative and post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, and quantitative measurement of inflammation with laser flare photometry. Baseline evaluations were performed 1 day before surgery and follow-up examinations took place at 1, 7, 30, and 90 days after surgery. Main outcome measures were BCVA and quantitative measurement of intraocular inflammation with laser flare photometry. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity improved in 60 eyes and visual loss did not occur in any eye. Median intraocular flare value the day before surgery was 8.2 (range: 3.1-82.2) photons/ms. Postoperatively, median flare value initially increased to 16.8 (range: 0-158) photons/ms on day 1 which was a statistically significant increase compared to preoperative values. Thereafter decreased to 10.40 (range: 0-110) photons/ms on day 7, 11.25 (range: 4.4-145) photons/ms on day 30, and 8.1 (range: 0-84.6) photons/ms on day 90. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative values and day 90. Conclusion: In uveitic eyes with well-controlled ocular inflammation before surgery, phacoemulsification with IOL implantation appears safe and effective as assessed by changes in the BCVA and laser flare photometry, an objective method to measure intraocular inflammation.

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