Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the effect of topical hypotensive lipids on macular thickness following cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma, measured using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
Methods: :
This prospective study measures macular thickness in patients before and after cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with and without the use of topical hypotensive lipids. Macular thickness was measured using OCT before and after surgery in patients using topical hypotensive lipids and patients not on topical therapy. All patients had similar post operative treatment of topical steroid and antibiotic ointment. Patients with pre–existing macular disease were excluded. OCT measurement calculations used for analysis included fovea, the average of four quadrants of the inner ring of macular measurement, and similarly for the outer macular ring, as provided by OCT software.
Results: :
Twelve glaucoma patients using topical hypotensive lipids and 22 patients not on topical therapy underwent cataract extraction. The average age was 75.5 ± 5.4 years in patients receiving topical therapy and 75.8 ± 7.7 in patients not on topical therapy. Inner macular thickness was 241.5 ± 20.9 microns prior to and 254.6 ± 30.8 microns following cataract extraction in the treatment group and 241.3 ± 26.3 microns prior to and 257.9 ± 23.7 microns after in the control group. Outer macular thickness was 215.6 ± 17.0 microns prior to and 219.5 ± 24.7 microns following cataract extraction in the treatment group and 214.9 ± 16.6 microns prior to and 225.3 ± 19.4 microns after in the control group There was no difference in change in inner (13.1 vs. 16.6 microns) or outer (3.9 vs.10.4 microns) macular thickness between the treatment and control groups (P = 0.6, and 0.2, respectively).
Conclusions: :
Perioperative use of topical hypotensive medications have no effect on macular thickness after cataract extraction, compared to control, if intraocular pressure control is necessary.
Keywords: treatment outcomes of cataract surgery • drug toxicity/drug effects • macula/fovea