A retrospective analysis of heparin-surface-modified intraocular lenses versus regular polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses in patients with uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Several studies described the benefits of the heparin-surface-modified intraocular tens (HSM IOL) with regard to the reduced inflammation in routine extracapsular cataract extractions. However, limited information is available about the advantages of the HSM IOL in patients with an intraocular inflammation.

AIM: To assess the eventual benefits of the HSM IOL compared to the regular polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL) in patients with uveitis.

METHODS: A retrospective study of 43 patients with uveitis of various origins who underwent an extracapsular cataract extraction (24 with HSM, 19 with PMMA IOL). The activity of intraocular inflammation, visual acuity, eventual complications, and medications were examined. Standardized follow-up dates were used (before surgery, one and fourteen days, five and eleven months after surgery.)

RESULTS: No difference in the inflammatory, activity was noted between HSM and PMMA groups; neither at short term clinical evaluation, nor at five months after surgery. Despite a slightly better visual acuity in the HSM group before surgery, no long term differences were observed. After surgery the increase in visual acuity was similar for both groups, as well as the frequency of cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and synechiae. Fewer patients in HSM group required Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy, but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION: No clinical advantage was found when the HSM IOL was compared with the regular PMMA IOL in 43 patients with uveitis.