Macular thickness measured by optical coherence tomography in a healthy population before and after uncomplicated cataract phacoemulsification surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To examine macular changes before and after uncomplicated cataract surgery in a healthy population.


METHODS
In a prospective study, we evaluated 62 eyes of healthy patients having elective cataract phacoemulsification. We performed optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 20, and 28 weeks after surgery. The retinal map was divided into minimal foveal thickness, a central 1-mm disk area, and two peripheral ring areas with diameters of 3 mm and 6 mm, respectively, and centered on the fovea. We compared the postoperative OCT values against the respective preoperative values.


RESULTS
Two eyes (3.2%) developed cystoid macular edema (CME) after cataract surgery and were excluded from the study. With respect to preoperative values, visual acuity improved significantly postoperatively, and at 12 weeks, we observed an asymptomatic increase in retinal thickness at 3 mm and 6 mm. Macular volume showed a statistically significant increase at the 12th week after surgery. There was no correlation between macular changes and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or ultrasound time.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data indicate that the onset of clinically significant CME is rare after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery, but with respect to preoperative values we observed an asymptomatic increase in macular thickness and volume at 12 weeks. The possible onset of macular alterations after uncomplicated cataract surgery must be taken into account as a potential later complication, because it can lead to a permanent loss of visual acuity.
Cagini
Carlo
C
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Perugia, Ospedale S. Maria della Misericordia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, Perugia, Italy. carlocagini@hotmail.com
Fiore
Tito
T
Iaccheri
Barbara
B
Piccinelli
Francesco
F
Ricci
Maria Antonietta
MA
Fruttini
Daniela
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity