ABSTRACT
Cataract surgery in these patients has always been undertaken with caution due to technical difficulties and risk of post-operative exacerbation of inflammation. Recent advances have contributed to safer and more successful surgical intervention in these eyes. These advances include a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the various uveitis syndromes, use of systemic drugs other than corticosteroids to control inflammation, improved microsurgical techniques, and new designs and materials of intraocular lenses. The indications for cataract surgery in patients with uveitis are visual disability or lens opacities obscuring visualization of the posterior segment. Pre-existing macular pathology should not necessarily be a contraindication for surgery. There are a number of important factors that must be considered before surgery is undertaken. These are: the timing of surgery, the pre-and post-operative medical management, the choice of surgical procedure and the type of intraocular lens to be implanted.
