ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in macular thickness measured with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery.

89 eyes of 87 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were included in this retrospective study. The cases with intraoperative or postoperative complications were excluded from the study. Best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR), central macular thickness measurements (by OCT), the results of biomicroscopic and indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations were recorded preoperatively and at the follow-up visits.

There were 48 female (53%) and 41 male (47%) eyes participating in this study. The mean age of the 89 patients was 67 years. Best corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) values preoperatively and at first day, first week, first month, third month and sixth month postoperatively were 0.74±0.38, 0.06±0.10, 0.03±0.8, 0.0±0.0, 0.0±0.0 and 0.0±0.0, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase between preoperative and postoperative visual acuity values (p<0.05). Mean macular thickness values preoperatively and at the first day, first week, first month, third month and sixth month postoperatively were 205±26, 201±25, 211±29, 227±49, 222±24, and 214±27 µm, respectively. There was no a statistically significant difference in average macular thickness preoperatively and postoperatively on the first day, first week and sixth month (p>0.05); but there was a statistically significant difference in macular thickness preoperatively and postoperatively in the first month and third month (p<0.05).

After uneventful cataract surgery, an increase in macular thickness occurs, that does not result in a decrease in visual acuity and can be detected by OCT while can not be noted on fundoscopic examination. OCT may help us to understand the pathogenesis of macular edema after cataract surgery.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification surgery, optical coherence tomography, macular thickness