Aim
To detect the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular edema following uncomplicated phacoemulsification in cataractous diabetic patient.
Patients and methods
A prospective randomized interventional study was performed at Al-Zahraa Hospital, during the period from April 2017 to December 2018. Informed written consent was taken from each participant in the study. A total of 60 eyes of 30 cataractous diabetic patients with type II diabetes were classified into two groups: group A included 30 cataractous eyes that underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgeries with posterior chamber foldable intraocular lens implantation, and group B included contralateral nonoperated 30 eyes of the same patients.
Results
There was a statistically significant increase of mean postoperative central macular thickness (CMT) at 1, 3, and 6 months in comparison with mean preoperative CMT in group A (P<0.05). It was 223.43±15.95 preoperatively. At all duration of follow-up, the mean CMT in group A was more than that in group B, with a statistically significant difference (P>0.05).
Conclusion
Phacoemulsification surgery most probably does not cause acceleration of DR in patients having no DR or mild DR and no maculopathy preoperatively.