Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Abstract

Cataract Surgery during Anti-TNF-α Therapy (Infliximab) for Behçet’s Disease

Shigenari Suzuki

Background: In cases of complicated cataract due to Behçet’s disease, flare-ups of attacks of ocular inflammation tend to occur after cataract surgery. Because these flare-ups may often result in loss of vision in Behçet’s disease, attention is now being paid to complicated cataract surgery with the administration of infliximab, which provides powerful long-term suppression of attacks of ocular inflammation.
Case Report: Surgery was performed for complicated cataract due to Behçet’s disease with highly active uveitis in a patient who was being treated with infliximab. The patient was a 25-year-old man. Cataract surgery had been postponed due to highly active uveitis, but surgery was eventually performed while infliximab was being administered after the ocular inflammation had subsided as a result of this medication. The patient’s course was uneventful, with no postoperative flare-ups of ocular inflammation or infection.
Conclusion: Concomitant use of infliximab enables the safe performance of surgery for complicated cataract due to Behçet’s disease even in patients with highly active uveitis. And cataract surgery can be performed at any point during infliximab administration (5mg/kg) other than the induction period.