Retrospective evaluation of changes in choroidal thickness after cataract surgery

In this retrospective study, we investigated the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following phacoemulsification. Twenty eyes of 18 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were included in this study. All patients underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination. EDI-OCT was used to measure CT preoperatively, and postoperatively at days 3 and 10, and months 1, 3, and 6. CT was measured at the fovea and at points 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm nasal and temporal to the fovea. The data were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The correlation between the changes in the CT and IOP in all sectors was analyzed. There was statistically significant change in IOP after cataract surgery (P = 0.000). The IOP reached a minimum (10.43 ± 1.64 mmHg) at 6 months postoperatively. Postoperatively CT increased significantly at three sectors: the subfovea (P = 0.019), 1.5 mm nasal to the fovea (P = 0.003), and 3 mm nasal to the fovea (P = 0.000), and gradually thickened over time, reaching a peak (288.87 ± 67.70 µm) at 6 months postoperatively. The CT increase was negatively correlated with the decrease in IOP within 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that after cataract surgery, the IOP decreased and the choroid thickened, lasting up to 6 months. Studying the changes in CT and IOP after cataract surgery will help deepen the understanding of fundus diseases associated with cataract surgery and will also play a guiding role in solving clinical complications.