Abstract
HNSJ Humanities & Natural Sciences Journal ISSN: (e) 2709-0833 www.hnjournal.net Peer-Reviewed Journal Indexed at: NSP - SJIF Impact Factor 2022 = 4.91 Assessment of Macular Thickness Changes in Diabetic Retinopathy after Cataract Surgery Najla Abdusalm Almabrouk1, Algharib Albaghdadi Alshraa1, Maisoon Daloub1 Abstract This study aimed to evaluate macular thickness changes following cataract surgery in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to assess the influence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity and prior laser photocoagulation on postoperative outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 104 eyes of diabetic patients who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification at Tripoli Eye Hospital between 2018 and 2019. Central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) was measured preoperatively and at multiple postoperative intervals. Macular edema (ME), defined as a >30% increase in CSMT from baseline, occurred in 18.3% of eyes, with most cases appearing within one month and resolving spontaneously in 68% by six months. Eyes without prior laser treatment exhibited significantly higher CSMT at 1 and 2 months postoperatively. While DR severity was not significantly associated with ME overall, a significant correlation emerged after excluding patients with prior laser therapy. Visual acuity improved across all groups, though recovery was delayed in eyes with ME. Multivariate regression revealed significant associations between increased macular thickness and elevated HbA1c and serum cholesterol levels. The most common postoperative complication was ME, followed by DR progression and transient intraocular pressure elevation. OCT proved effective for detecting subclinical edema and guiding postoperative monitoring. These findings highlight the need for individualized follow-up protocols considering preoperative DR status, systemic metabolic control, and prior retinal treatment.