AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification in patients with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis(FHIC).

METHODS: In this noncomparative case series,18 eyes of 18 patients clinically diagnosed with FHIC and cataract were studied. All of them received phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation.Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cells density were measured. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 9.8±3.3mo. The only intraoperative complication was peripheral iris bleeding(17%). Compared with preoperative, the best corrected visual acuity improved 6mo postoperatively(0.98±0.85 vs 0.08±0.14, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure between preoperative and postoperative(15.11±2.63mmHg vs 14.94±2.49mmHg, P>0.05).The mean endothelial cells counting loss rate postoperatively was 10%±6%. Fibrin formation in the anterior chamber occurred in 2 eyes postoperatively. During follow-up, 1 eye developed anterior capsule contraction, and 4 eyes developed posterior capsule opacification.

CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification is a safe procedure with good visual outcomes in patients with FHIC and cataract.