Uveal effusion after cataract surgery: an echographic study.

Abstract

To determine the incidence of uveal effusion after cataract surgery and to relate its presence to selected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. Prospective consecutive observational case series. Two hundred seven eyes of 205 subjects undergoing cataract surgery. Several preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of potential significance in uveal effusion after cataract surgery were studied. On the first postoperative day and within 2 weeks after the surgery, subjects were examined clinically and echographically with B-scan for evidence of suprachoroidal (uveal) effusion. When effusion was present, follow-up examinations were performed until complete resolution was documented. Echographic presence of uveal effusion in the postoperative period. Uveal effusion was documented echographically in 12 patients (5.8%). Only one of these cases was clinically evident. All effusions were small and resolved with no intervention. The presence of postoperative hypotony related to wound leak (intraocular pressure <10 mmHg) was significantly correlated with uveal effusion after cataract surgery (P<0.0001). The combination of oral acetazolamide and topical pilocarpine gel given after the surgery also correlated with effusion (P<0.02). Intraoperative complications and prolonged phacoemulsification time were not shown to be risk factors for effusion. Uveal effusion is rarely seen after modern, small-incision, closed-system cataract surgery. It is correlated with postoperative hypotony related to wound leak and with the administration of both oral acetazolamide and topical pilocarpine after surgery.