Evaluation of Central Macular Thickness Changes Following Small-Incision Cataract Surgery: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study (Code-T0296)

Introduction: Cataract remains a leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide, with small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) being a widely performed procedure. Although considered safe, subtle changes in central macular thickness (CMT) post-surgery can impact visual outcomes. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) enables precise measurement of CMT, aiding in early detection of macular changes and post-surgical complications such as pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME). Understanding CMT variations post-SICS can help in optimizing patient care and visual prognosis.

Aims and Objectives

Aim

To study Central Macular Thickness changes after a small incision cataract surgery (SICS) using Optical Coherence Tomography

Objective

• To elucidate the optical tomographic features of macular thickness after SICS.
• To study changes in macular thickness after SICS in relation to age, gender and other aetiologies.
• To compare the incidence of change in macular thickness in patients with history of diabetes and hypertensive with non diabetic and non hypertensive patients in a population.

Methods: A hospital-based observational study will be conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Ghaziabad. A total of 298 patients undergoing uneventful SICS will be included. Pre-operative and post-operative OCT scans will be performed at 1st, 6th, and 12th weeks. Data on patient demographics, systemic conditions, intraocular pressure, and surgical duration will be recorded. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results: The study is expected to show a transient increase in CMT post-SICS, peaking around the 6th week and returning to near-normal by the 12th week. Patients with diabetes and hypertension may experience prolonged recovery.

Conclusion:OCT-based evaluation of post-SICS CMT changes provides insights into macular health and visual prognosis. Identifying risk factors can help in early intervention and improved post-operative care.

Keywords: Central Macular Thickness, Small-Incision Cataract Surgery, Optical Coherence Tomography, Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Edema, Post-Operative Changes, Visual Outcomes