Linking changes in macular thickness post cataract surgery with post-operative visual acuity

Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery, with a 90% success rate in restoring vision; however, Cystoid Macular Edema (CME) is a frequent cause of reduced vision post-operatively. This study evaluated changes in macular thickness and its correlation with post-operative visual acuity following Small Incision Cataract Surgery in 100 patients who underwent pre and post-operative macular OCT. Mean macular thickness increased from 205.14 ± 35.65 µm pre-operatively to 254.28 ± 26.68 µm at one week post-operatively, then decreased to 224.53 ± 26.73 µm by the fourth week. Visual acuity improved in 70% of patients to better than 6/9 at one week and in 96% by the fourth week post-surgery. Post-operative visual decline is often due to transient macular edema, which typically resolves without significant long-term impact on vision.