A combined anterior and posterior approach to cataract surgery in patients with chronic uveitis

Although several recent papers have focused on the results of cataract surgery in patients with uveitis, little has been published on specific surgical techniques that are most appropriate to such cases. We have found that a combined anterior and posterior approach using extracapsular techniques (usually phacoemulsification) and pars plana vitrectomy, with or without intraocular lens placement, is best suited for selected uveitis patients who have cataract, vitreous opacities, and cystoid macula edema. This paper discusses the surgical techniques that we have found to be best for the management of these cases.