Change of macular structure after cataract surgery observed with spectral domain optical coherence tomography scanning

Abstract

Objective To observe the change of structure of the macular after cataract surgery. Methods The data of 98 eyes of 68 cases with age related cataract who received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation from Aug. 2013 to Sep. 2015 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.The results of visual acuity, anterior segment of eye and fundus were recorded. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure the fundus 1 month after the surgery. Results The cataract surgery was performed successfully in all 98 eyes and the postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) was improved compared with preoperative one.No abnormal change of macular area was found by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy 1 month after the surgery .The spectralis SD-OCT showed no significant change of the macular thickness except for slight increase of the central macular thickness, which was (209.28±25.16)μm compared with(187.71±31.65)μm of normal people at the same age, and the difference was not statistically significant. However, the slightly abnormal continuity of the IS/OS layer and integrity of the RPE layer appeared in some patients with poor visual acuity recovery.Epimacular membrane formed in 5 eyes. Conclusion The macular thickness 1 month after phacoemulsification in age-related cataract patients without other general or ocular diseases is similar to the normal one. A few patients with poor visual acuity recovery is probably due to the changes of continuity of the IS/OS layer or the integrity of the RPE layer. Key words: Cataract; Phacoemulsification; Lens, intraocular; Visual acuity; Optical coherence tomography, spectral domain