Vitrectomy in uveitis associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

Chronic recurrent iridocyclitis in three eyes of two patients with ankylosing spondylitis was associated with posterior spillover of inflammatory cells into the vitreous cavity. Continued inflammation resulted in significant vitreous opacification in all three eyes. After pars plana vitrectomy (two eyes) and cataract extraction with subtotal vitrectomy (one eye), visual acuity improved and stabilized in all three instances. Ocular inflammation was not appreciably exacerbated by surgical intervention. Vitreous opacification did not recur after vitrectomy, but visual improvement was limited because of chronic cystoid macular edema.