Risk for ocular attacks following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in patients of Behcet disease

We reviewed 16 eyes of 12 patients with Behcet disease who underwent intraocular implantation for complicated cataract. The incidence of acute ocular attack during the first postoperative year was significantly higher in longstanding cases and in patients who received surgery within 6 months after the last attack. The incidence of acute ocular attack was independent on the extraocular manifestations or sysemic mediation Cataract surgery did not induce more frequent ocular attacks. Postoperative visual acuity improved in all the eyes. Severe intra- or postoperative complications were absent throughout. The findings show that cataract surgery in patients of Behcet disease is relatively safe when performed 6 months or more after the last ocular attack.