Phacoemulsification Plus Intraocular Lens Implantation with Gold Nanoparticles for Complicated Cataract Secondary to Uveitis: Efficacy Analysis

This study analyzes the efficacy of phacoemulsification (PE) plus intraocular lens implantation (IOLI) in patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis. Nanostructured photothermal ring integrated (nano)-intraocular lens (IOLs) were developed to improve the biocompatibility and optical properties of IOLs. However, data on the safety profile and effectiveness of IOLI for patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis are scarce, and studies have questioned the safety of PE in patients undergoing cataract surgery. We used gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified commercially available intraocular IOLs combined with PE technology to treat patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis. First, we found that AuNP-modified IOLs were effective in reducing macrophage and bacterial adhesion and were biocompatible with the organism. Then, 64 patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis were totally selected from February 2019 to February 2022, of which 33 cases were treated with PE+IOLI (test group) and 31 with conventional small-incision extracapsular cataract extraction (SIECCE) and IOLI (control group). Intergroup comparisons based on efficacy, safety, visual acuity (VA), aqueous humor protein levels before and after treatment, and quality of life (assessed with the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74, GQOLI-74) revealed higher overall treatment efficacy and postoperative VA, as well as lower complication rate and postoperative aqueous humor protein levels, in the test group than the control group. Moreover, the test group had higher GQOLI-74 scores in the dimensions of physical function, mental health, psychological health, and social competence than the control group. Thus, PE+IOLI is more suitable for patients with complicated cataracts secondary to uveitis than conventional SIECCE+IOLI. PE+IOLI can improve treatment efficacy and safety, as well as patient VA and quality of life.