Background: Several studies described the benefits of the heparin-surface-modified intraocular lens (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.
Key words Extracapsular cataract extraction - Heparin-surface-modified intraocular lens - Polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens - uveitis