Changes in aqueous humor cytokines and metabolomics in contralateral eye after unilateral cataract surgery

Animal experiments showed a significant increase in IL-1β and IL-2 levels in the non-operated eyes postoperatively, reflecting systemic and local inflammatory responses. In clinical experiments, although no significant changes in cytokines were observed in the aqueous humor of both eyes, differential expression of metabolites indicated metabolic adjustments in the non-operated eye following surgery on the first eye. These findings reveal that unilateral cataract surgery may affect the stability of the intraocular environment in the contralateral eye, suggesting that in staged bilateral surgeries, potential metabolic changes in the non-operated eye and their clinical significance should be considered. This result provides important reference value for optimizing postoperative management strategies, reducing complications, and determining the timing for bilateral surgeries, warranting further investigation.