Lensectomy-vitrectomy in chronic uveitis.

Cataract extraction in patients with chronic uveitis may be hazardous, although recent studies have indicated an improvement in prognosis using lensectomy-vitrectomy techniques in selected cases of uveitic cataracts. The results of lensectomy-vitrectomy in 12 eyes with uveitic cataract are reported. All patients had improvement in vision. No significant "flare-up" of the underlying uveitis occurred. The importance of extensive preoperative evaluation is emphasized. The major cause of decreased acuity postoperatively was persistent cystoid macular edema, a complication of chronic inflammation.