Effect of Phacoemulsification on Macular Thickness and Volume in Diabetic Patients without Retinopathy

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phacoemulsification on macular thickness and volume in diabetic patients without retinopathy using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This prospective study included 37 diabetics and 55 non-diabetic patients (n=92) with cataract who were scheduled for phacoemulsification. The participants were entered into the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria following a complete eye examination. Macular thickness and volume were measured preoperatively as well as one month postoperatively using the OCT (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). The present study analyzed 76 eyes of 76 patients with immature cataract. No significant differences were observed between diabetic and non-diabetic groups in terms of thickness and volume in the macular area. However, the results showed a significant increase in both groups regarding the thickness and volume after phacoemulsification. The results of the present study reveal that diabetes has no effects on the changes in macular thickness and volume after cataract surgery in diabetic eyes without retinopathy.