The short term impact of uncomplicated cataract surgery on retinal layers thickness

To detect the short-term impact of cataract surgery on retinal layers thickness, as the exact mechanism of fundus changes after phacoemulsification has not yet been fully clarified.

A retrospective observational study.

Seventy eyes of 70 patients with age ranging from 49 to 92 years, scheduled for cataract surgery, were included.

All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, including ART-OCT volume with Heidelberg Spectralis before and approximately one month later cataract surgery.

The macula was divided into a central foveal region and four parafoveal regions (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal). The scans were then automatically segmented into the different retinal layers and the changes in each layer were assessed.

The results revealed that both the inner retinal layers and the entire retina exhibited a statistically significant thickening in foveal and parafoveal region: IRL (p < 0.001), ONL (p < 0.001), GCL (p = 0.010), RNFL (p = 0.020), and ALL (p < 0.001). Conversely, the outer retinal layers showed a statistically significant reduction in thickness only within the parafoveal regions: ORL (p < 0.001).

This study may provide a pathophysiological explanation for post-phacoemulsification changes affecting the retina.