We reported the results of our experience with cataract surgery in 20 patients (26 eyes) with biopsy-proven cicatricial pemphigoid. All patients were on systemic immunosuppression at the time of surgery (dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophsophamide, or combinations) and were treated with peri-operative oral corticosteroids. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for conjunctival inflammation, conjunctival cicatrization, degree of keratopathy, and disease stage. No patient progressed in disease stage. Vison improved an average of 3.5 Snellen lines (-3 to +8). Worse outcome was associated with chemotherapy intolerance or the presence of any preoperative conjunctival inflammation. Thirteen patients remained on immunosuppressives for the entire study. Corneal ulcers developed postoperatively in three patients in whom continued immunosuppression was not tolerated. Results indicate that after successful abolition of all conjunctival inflammation through chemotherapy, cataract surgery may be safely performed in patients with cicatricial pemphigoid.
