Outcomes of Phacoemulsification Surgery in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Purpose This study aimed to compare the visual acuity and early inflammatory response following phacoemulsification surgery between cataract patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and those with age-related cataracts. Settings Affiliated hospital of a medical university. Design Retrospective comparative cohort study. Methods In this retrospective comparative study, we analyzed 95 patients (122 eyes), including 44 AIDS patients and 51 age-related cataract controls, who underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation between 2018 to 2023. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber cell count, and complications were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively. Results No significant differences were observed in UCVA and BCVA between the two groups at baseline and any postoperative time point. Anterior chamber cell counts did not differ significantly at any postoperative interval. No complications were recorded in either group at 1 month follow-up. Conclusions Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is safe and effective for HIV-infected patients with cataracts. Preoperative highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), a CD4 + count > 200 cells/µL, thorough preoperative preparation, strict surgical indications, and avoidance of complications are effective measures to reduce surgical risks.