Evaluation of Macular Thickness by Optical Coherence Tomography After Phacoemulsification Surgery

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME), its risk factors, and macular changes by optical coherence tomography (OCT) after phacoemulsification. Materials and Methods: This study included 99 eyes of 65 patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery in Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology. Foveal thickness, macular volume, and mean macular thickness were measured by OCT preoperatively and at 1st day, 1st week, 1st, and 3rd months postoperatively. Results: In this study, the incidence of postoperative CME was 3%. The mean central foveal thickness was preoperatively 250.4 (+/- 18.5) mu m, and postoperatively was 252.08 (+/- 23.2) mu m at 1st day, 261.4 (+/- 27.8) mu m at 1st week, 270.6 (+/- 44.4) mu m at 1st month, and 265.4 (+/- 41.6) mu m at 3rd month. The statistically significant increase in foveal thickness was defined between preoperative and 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month as well as between 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month (p<0.01). Increase in macular thickness was demonstrated in 44 eyes (44.4%) which was most frequently located in the parafoveal region. Intraoperative complications like iris trauma, posterior capsule tear, and vitreous loss were increased risk of CME (p=0.001). Conclusion: Subclinical macular thickness increment begins at 1st week and reaches maximum point at 1st month. Incidence of CME increased in patients who had a complicated cataract surgery, so they should be followed closely by OCT.