The Effects of Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery on Retinal Layer Thickness

Abstract

Purpose Our aim was to assess changes in the total retinal thickness (TRT), total retinal volume (TRV), and retinal layer thickness after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Methods A total of 32 eyes of 32 patients who had undergone uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation in one eye were enrolled. Effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and total energy (TE) were recorded. Thickness and TRV were measured using optical coherence tomography. Data were collected preoperatively and at postoperative day 1, 7, 30, 90, and 180. Results The study results showed a decrease in TRT, TRV, and most retinal layer thicknesses at the first postoperative day visit and then increasing at week 1, and months 1 and 3, and then relatively decreasing at month 6 although not returning to preoperative levels. The least affected layers were the retinal pigment epithelium and outer plexiform layer. There was a positive correlation between EPT and TE and ganglion cell layer in a 1 mm circle and inner nuclear layer in a 1–3 mm circle (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that long-term follow-up of more than 6 months is necessary after cataract surgery to see whether total retinal and segmental values return to preoperative levels. This study was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12618000763246.

Macular Vascular Density Changes following Cataract Surgery in Diabetic Patients: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study

“…This is similar to the results reported in previous studies in nondiabetic patients. Kurt and Kilic [ 20 ] showed a decrease in MT on the first postoperative day, increases at week 1 and months 1 and 3, and a relative decrease at month 6, although MT did not return to preoperative levels. Zhao et al [ 21 ] also reported that at 1 month and 3 months after surgery, the full retina of the fovea, parafovea, and perifovea increased significantly, and this change was more obvious in the inner layer.…”

Changes in Ganglion Cell Complex and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Compared to Manual Phacoemulsification in Patients Receiving a Trifocal Intraocular Lens

“…Measurements of the pRNFL and the GCC thicknesses are used to diagnose glaucoma and to monitor the course of the disease. Several studies have reported that cataract surgery leads to changes in the GCC and pRNFL thickness values [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] and these changes must be taken into account for patient followup. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has directly compared the effect of FLACS with "classic" phacoemulsification on GCC values.…”

“…Thus, it is possible for a patient to suffer significant neural loss before being deemed outside normal limits [ 3 ]. Several studies have reported that GCC and pRNFL thickness parameters significantly increase after cataract surgery [ 4 – 7 ] with a tendency to decrease with time [ 8 ], although without reaching preoperative levels [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Retinal microvascular alterations after phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography

“…In non-diabetic patients, Kurt A et al [19] showed a decrease in MT at the first postoperative day visit and then increasing at week 1, and months 1 and 3, and then relatively decreasing at month 6 although not returning to preoperative levels. Zhao et al [20] also reported at 1 month and 3 months after surgery, the full retinal the fovea [10] , parafovea, and perifovea increased significantly and this change was is more obvious in the inner layer.…”