ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL ACUITY AND COMPLICATIONS POST CATARACT SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH UVEITIS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Aim and Objectives Aim:To study the visual acuity and operative complications after cataract surgery in patients with uveitis in tertiary care hospital Objectives: 1.To study factors affecting visual acuity. 2.To study surgical complications post cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Materials and Methods:A total of 18 patients were taken, data was collected from all the selected patients using a structured proforma meeting the objectives of the study. • Inclusion Criteria:1.All complicated cataract patients attending ophthalmology OPD 2.A quite eye (without inflammation) for atleast 3 months • Exclusion Criteria: 1.Cataract due to causes other than uveitis 2.Patients with posterior segment pathology Patients were scheduled for follow up on post op day 1, day 3 , day 7 , day 15, day 30, day 60, day 90. Results: The prevalance was more common in males compared to females. Out of 18 patients, 14 (77%) underwent SICS with PCIOL implantation and 4 (22%) underwent phacoemulsification with PCIOL. Intra-operative complications were noted as small non-dilating pupil, peripheral anterior synechiae, pupillary membrane, incomplete capsulorhexis, iris prolapse. In 7 (38%) patients sphincterectomy was done and in 4 (22%) patients stretch pupilloplasty was done. Immediate post-op complications that were noted were anterior chamber reaction and pigment dispersion. Late post-op complications that were noted were posterior capsular opacification Dense posterior synechiae were encountered in 12 (66%) patients and excessive conjunctival bleeding in 6(33%) patients. There was improvement in visual outcomes as follows 8 patients had 6/6 vision, 6 patients had 6/18 vision where as remaining 4 patients had 6/36 vision due to early development of posterior capsular opacification. Conclusion: Cataract development is a very common occurrence in any form of anterior and intermediate uveitis because of chronic intraocular inflammation, long term use of corticosteroids. Reported incidence of cataract in uveitic patients is about 25% in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and 75% in chronic anterior uveitis. It is possible to achieve successful visual outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitis by proper management of pre-operative inflammation and close post-operative observation. Management of uveitic cataract requires careful case selection, proper timing of surgery, and close monitoring with appropriate handling of complications that may occur.