Non-arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy after Uneventful Cataract Extraction

Abstract

We present the case of a 74-year-old Caucasian female who suffered sudden visual loss after routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. The case is described in detail, and a concise review of the literature is presented together with the authors' view on the subject outlined. This is a very rare complication after cataract surgery even in high-risk patients with associated systemic comorbidities. We suspect that the previous history of obesity, coronary artery disease, and arteriosclerosis contributed to the development of this serious ocular complication. We suggest appropriate measures to reduce the risk of its occurrence. ARTICLE HISTORY

Influence of cataract surgery on macular vascular density in patients with myopia using optical coherence tomography angiography

“…Clinically, there have been certain reports of ischemic optic neuropathy occurring after cataract surgery and leading to a sudden decline in VA (3,4). Another study suggested that the macular vascular system was essential to visual function (5).…”

“…Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation is an effective treatment method to improve VA (2). However, certain patients with cataracts experience a decrease in VA at different time-points after surgery (3,4). For instance, Emeriewen et al (3) studied the decreased VA after cataract surgery caused by ischemic optic neuropathy and reported that hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and high levels of lipids were systemic risk factors.…”

“…However, certain patients with cataracts experience a decrease in VA at different time-points after surgery (3,4). For instance, Emeriewen et al (3) studied the decreased VA after cataract surgery caused by ischemic optic neuropathy and reported that hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and high levels of lipids were systemic risk factors. It was reported that the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was positively correlated with macular flow density in pathological myopia, and that the macular vascular system was essential for visual function (5).…”

Changes in the peripapillary vasculature and macular thickness after cataract surgery using two phacoemulsification systems with optical coherence tomography angiography

“…Changes in macular vascular density (VD) and blood flow areas after gravity-based phacoemulsification may affect the recovery of visualacuity [5] . Emeriewen et al [6] reported that patients experienced a decrease in visual acuity at different timepoints caused by ischemic optic neuropathy, using a gravitybased phacoemulsification system. Li et al [7] also indicated that there was a significant reduction in the superficial retinal VD in patients with myopia after cataract surgery.…”

Changes in Retinal Vasculature and Thickness After Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery and Conventional Cataract Surgery Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

“…However, some studies have reported that the cystoid macular edema was found after FLACS [ 2 , 3 ]. Moreover, Emeriewen et al [ 4 ] studied that patients experienced a decrease in visual acuity at different time-points caused by ischemic optic neuropathy after conventional cataract surgery. Li et al [ 5 ] indicated that there was a signi cantly reduction in super cial retinal vessel density in patients with myopia after conventional cataract surgery.…”