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What Is Uveitic Cataract?

Uveitic cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens that develops in the setting of uveitis (intraocular inflammation). It can form from chronic inflammation, repeated inflammatory flares, or long-term corticosteroid use used to control uveitis. Vision typically becomes progressively blurry with glare, especially in bright light. Treatment often requires controlling inflammation first and then planning cataract surgery at the right time.

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What Is Uveitic Cataract?

Uveitic cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens that develops in the setting of uveitis (intraocular inflammation). It can form from chronic inflammation, repeated inflammatory flares, or long-term corticosteroid use used to control uveitis. Vision typically becomes progressively blurry with glare, especially in bright light. Treatment often requires controlling inflammation first and then planning cataract surgery at the right time.

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Causes and risk factors

Both inflammation and its treatments can contribute to cataract formation in uveitis. Posterior subcapsular cataracts are common, but other types can occur. Risk rises with longer disease duration and higher steroid exposure.

  • Chronic or recurrent uveitis
  • Systemic or ocular corticosteroid therapy
  • Posterior synechiae and pupillary membrane formation
  • Coexisting glaucoma or retinal disease

Symptoms

Symptoms often resemble other cataracts, but uveitis-related changes can add variability. People may notice glare, halos, and reduced contrast, sometimes fluctuating with inflammation. Severe inflammation can also cause pain and light sensitivity.

  • Blurry or hazy vision
  • Glare and difficulty driving at night
  • Faded colors or reduced contrast
  • Light sensitivity when uveitis is active

Diagnosis and timing

Diagnosis is made on slit-lamp exam, along with an assessment of current and past inflammation. Clinicians also screen for macular edema and glaucoma because these can limit vision even after surgery. In many cases, cataract surgery is planned only after uveitis is well controlled, commonly with a period of quiescence before the operation. Preoperative testing may include optical coherence tomography (OCT) to check the macula.

Treatment and surgery

Medical treatment aims to suppress inflammation and reduce the risk of postoperative flare. Surgery is usually phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, supported by perioperative anti-inflammatory therapy and close follow-up. Complications such as cystoid macular edema, pressure spikes, and posterior capsule opacity are more common than in routine cataract surgery. A uveitis specialist may help coordinate immunomodulatory therapy when needed.

FAQs on uveitic cataract

Can steroids cause a uveitic cataract?

Yes. Long-term corticosteroid use is a well-known risk factor for cataract, especially posterior subcapsular cataract. The benefit of controlling inflammation is still important, so dosing decisions are individualized.

Why does uveitis need to be quiet before cataract surgery?

Operating in an inflamed eye raises the risk of severe postoperative inflammation and macular edema. A quiescent period before surgery is commonly recommended to improve outcomes. Your surgeon will define what quiescence means for your specific condition.

Can an intraocular lens be implanted in uveitis?

Often yes, especially when inflammation is well controlled and the capsule is intact. Lens material and placement are chosen to reduce irritation. In rare situations with uncontrolled inflammation or structural damage, implantation may be delayed.

What complications are more common after surgery?

Compared with routine cataract surgery, uveitic eyes have higher risk of postoperative inflammation, cystoid macular edema, and intraocular pressure changes. Posterior synechiae and posterior capsule opacity can also occur. Close monitoring helps manage these issues early.

References

Advances in the Management of Uveitic Cataract: Current Strategies and Emerging Perspectives. Kalogeropoulos D, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40839288/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.

Cataract Surgery in Patients With Uveitis Treated With Systemic Therapy in the Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment (MUST) Trial and Follow-up Study: Risk Factors and Outcomes. Jabs DA, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37406846/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.

Long-term Visual Acuity Outcomes Following Cataract Surgery in Uveitis. Gangaputra S, et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36810151/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.

Optimizing Perioperative Management Strategies in Uveitic Cataract Surgery: A Survey of Expert Practices. Özkoçak BY, et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12559832/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.

Visual Outcomes and Risk Factors of Uveitis Cataract Eyes After Phacoemulsification. Shekhar M, et al. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10878458/. Date Accessed: February 19, 2026.