Retinal changes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in diabetic patients

Abstract

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.