The Results of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery in Patients with Behcet's Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of cataract surgery, using phacoemulsification in patients with Behcet's disease. METHODS: Twenty eyes of fourteen patients with Behcet's disease, who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction using phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation between July 2001 and March 2004, were included in this study. Their postoperative visual acuity and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: Ocular attacks after cataract surgery occurred in 10 eyes (50%). Uveitis developed in 10 of 12 eyes (83.3%) that had a uveitis-free interval of less than six months. On the other hand, in eight eyes that lasted more than 12 months with no uveitis, no postoperative ocular attack was found (p<0.01, Chi-square test). The incidence and severity of uveitis did not appear to increase upon surgery. Visual acuity improved in 17 eyes (85%). However, after 1 year postoperatively, a statistically significant decrease in visual acuity was observed in the recurrent uveitis group (p=0.05, t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery, using phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation, is tolerable in patients with Behcet's disease. The most predictive factor of ocular attacks and prognosis after cataract surgery was the 'uveitis free' duration before surgery. A uveitis-free interval of more than 12 months in duration was predictive of the best prognosis.