title: Evaluation of macular thickness after uneventful phacoemulsification in selected patient populations using optical coherence tomography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To quantitatively evaluate the effect of uneventful phacoemulsification on central retinal thickness and foveal volume with regard to the following factors: age, gender, systemic diseases: diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, phacoemulsification parameters (power and time); and to identify patient population at high risk of postoperative changes in macular thickness.
  
  
  METHODS
  87 eyes of 87 patients were examined. Foveal volume and central retinal thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography on postoperative days 1, 7, 30, 90 and 180. 10 patients did not complete the study, because of independent factors, these were excluded from the analysis. The results were analyzed within the predefined patient groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant increase of central retinal thickness and foveal volume values on postoperative days 7, 30, 90 and 180, as compared to baseline (1st day after surgery). These values were higher in males and in patients with coronary heart disease. The presence of diabetes and hypertension was associated with the increased central retinal thickness, especially when both considered factors were present. No significant relation was found between the patient age and central retinal thickness during the 6-month's follow up. However, a significant association was observed between the age and the risk of retinal thickening. Higher phaco power (over 40.0%) settings increased both central retinal thickness and the risk of retinal thickening during the follow-up period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a significant increase in macular parameters after uneventful phacoemulsification. Despite downward trend, they remain elevated throughout the 6-month observation period. Diabetes and hypertension increase the risk of post-operative changes in macular thickness, especially if they coexist. Higher phaco power increases the risk of retinal thickening after cataract surgery. Early macular evaluation using the optical coherence tomography identifies patients at high risk of complications, who might benefit from additional anti-inflammatory treatment.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gołebiewska
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kęcik
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turczyńska
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moneta-Wielgoś
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kopacz
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pihowicz-Bakoń
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*; D014792:Visual Acuity