Retinal microvascular alterations after phacoemulsification in patients with diabetes evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose: To quantify changes in retinal microvasculature in diabetic patients after phacoemulsificatio by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: Macular thickness(MT), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexuses (DCP) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements of the 3×3 mm macular images were obtained by OCTA at baseline, 1 day,1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after cataract surgery in diabetic and non- diabetic patients. Results: There was a significant increase in MT at 1 month and 3 months after surgery in both groups (all P<0.05), but no significant difference between the two groups (p= 0.217). At 3 months postoperatively, the SCP increase was significantly higher compared with baseline in diabetic group (P<0.05). The MT and SCP was negatively correlated with logMAR best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), while the FAZ area and perimeter were positively correlated with logMAR BCVA in diabetic group. Conclusions: Cataract surgery can increase macular thickness in both diabetic and non- diabetic patients, and also increase the SCP in diabetic patients. Whether these changes will persist a longer period still needs to be followed up.