Any Other Young People Who’ve Had Cataract Surgery?

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I am 29 years old, I have uveitis which caused me to develop a cataract in one eye. I'm going next week to have surgery, has anyone else had it so I can know what to expect? If you have uveitis, what treatment options have been made available to you?

Tagged as: Cataract Eye Surgery, eye, treatment options, uveitis, week

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David Richardson, MD May 24, 2009 at 7:12 pm: Unfortunately, the general experience of most people who have had cataract surgery does not apply when there is a history of uveitis. Many people will say that cataract surgery "was a piece of cake," or that their vision was better before they even left the operating room. However, most of these people are at least 50 years old and do not have uveitis.

Both youth and a history of uveitis increase the risk of surgery. Younger eyes tend to be at a higher risk of retinal detachment after surgery. Eyes with a history of inflammation are at higher risk of intraocular pressure spike (glaucoma), macular edema (swelling of the retina), and late clouding of the intraocular lens (IOL). Treating these conditions can be challenging.

The treatment for uveitis is often done in a stepwise manner beginning with topical steroids, moving to oral steroids. If the inflammation is not controlled with steroids an antimetabolite such as methotrexate may be required. There are additional therapies that have been studied but few are considered to be commonly used or of proven benefit.

Finally, if uveitis affects both eyes (or recurs in one eye) it is appropriate to obtain blood testing in order to look for the cause of uveitis.

Hope this was helpful.

Sincerely,

David D. Richardson, M.D.
Medical Director

San Gabriel Valley Eye Associates, Inc.
207 S. Santa Anita Street, Suite P-25
San Gabriel, CA 91776
626.289.7856