A Study on Changes in Macular Thickness after Cataract Surgery in Diabetic Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Aim To assess the macular thickness changes after cataract surgery in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Materials and methods In this Prospective study, a total of 150 patients divided into three equal groups (Group 1 included non-diabetic patients, Group 2 included diabetic patients without retinopathy and group 3 included patients with diabetic retinopathy) were operated for cataract by manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (m-SICS). Complete ophthalmological evaluation was done preoperatively. Patients were followed at day 1 post operation and at 2, 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. At each visit a complete ophthalmic evaluation and optical coherence tomography of the macula were performed. Results There was significant increase in foveal thickness at 6 weeks in diabetics with retinopathy as compared to those without retinopathy and controls.26 % of diabetics developed macular edema as compared to 4 % in controls. Conclusion Post operative change in macular thickness and visual outcomes depends significantly on the diabetic status, duration and retinopathy levels. A positive correlation was also found between change in macular thickness and HbA1C levels in diabetic patients.