Changes in the Foveal Avascular Zone after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery Based on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Abstract

Purpose: To report changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) after uncomplicated cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Methods: The present study evaluated 39 eyes that underwent cataract surgery between April 2019 and June 2019. Central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were measured by OCT. The area of the FAZ in the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) were measured using OCT angiography. Results: In all eyes, except for five with cystoid macular edema, there was a statistically significant change in the CMT over time (p < 0.0001), and the CMT at 1 month postoperatively was significantly thicker than the preoperative CMT (p = 0.005). The SFCT was significantly thicker at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively relative to the preoperative values (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The FAZ area in the SVC and DVC decreased significantly at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively compared with the preoperative values (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.007, respectively). In the five eyes that developed cystoid macular edema, the area of the FAZ in the DVC showed a significant increase at 1 month postoperatively compared with the preoperative value (p = 0.028). Conclusions: The FAZ area in the SVC and DVC decreased postoperatively, suggesting that cataract surgery may affect perfusion in the macula.