A method of reporting macular edema after cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To validate a method of reporting postcataract macular edema (ME) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).


METHODS
: Data were analyzed for 130 eyes followed prospectively for ME after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Each eye underwent OCT within 4 weeks before surgery and at 1 month and 3 months after surgery. ME was defined by observation of cystoid changes by OCT.


RESULTS
Incidence of ME was 14% (95% confidence interval, 8-20). Average increase in baseline center point thickness (CPT) +/- SD at 1 month for eyes with and without ME was 202 +/- 113 microm and 8 +/- 19 microm, respectively (P < 0.001), which resulted in a 1-letter loss (-0.02 logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution]) and a 3-line gain (0.29 logMAR) in vision, respectively (P < 0.001). Percent change in baseline CPT +/- SD for eyes with and without ME was 115 +/- 67% and 6 +/- 11%, respectively (P < 0.001). A > or =40% increase in baseline CPT accurately determined 100% of eyes with ME and 99% of eyes without ME.


CONCLUSIONS
A > or =40% increase in baseline CPT, determined by OCT, offers a valid and objective method of reporting clinically relevant postcataract ME. Standardized reporting of postcataract ME would allow objective assessment and comparison of treatment outcomes among clinical studies.
Kim
Stephen J
SJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Skim30@gmail.com
Belair
Marie-Lyne
ML
Bressler
Neil M
NM
Dunn
James P
JP
Thorne
Jennifer E
JE
Kedhar
Sanjay R
SR
Jabs
Douglas A
DA
D000368:Aged; D019923:Capsulorhexis; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*