Changes in central macular thickness before and after cataract surgery evaluated by optical coherence tomography in non-diabetic patient

Abstract

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been useful for objectively observing central macular thickness (CMT) changes inpre-operative and post-operative uneventful cataract surgery. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to compare changes in CMT in small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification surgery and to illuminate the OCT features of CMT after uneventful cataract surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was done at the tertiary eye care center from December 2019 to November 2020, a total of 60 patients underwent SICS and Phacoemulsification cataract surgery, were followed and examined postoperatively at day 1, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months for whole ocular examination and OCT. Results: Comparison analysis was performed using Friedman’s analysis of variance test.In SICS and Phacoemulsification group, statistical analysis differences between the mean CMT at pre-operative, post-operative 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months were found statistically significant (P > 0.001), subclinical macular edema (increase CMT without affecting visual acuity) was noted at 1 week and 1 month reviews. Conclusion: The changes in CMT after cataract surgery are reversible, since the maximum measured increase in macular thickness at 1 month after surgery then gradually decreased at 6 months follow-up. This increase remained subclinical, and no evidence of clinical cystoid macular edema was seen on OCT.