A Comparative Study on Macular Thickness Changes After Phacoemulsification in Non-Diabetic and Type-2 Diabetic Patients Having No Retinopathy

Abstract Cataract remains a leading cause of visual impairment globally, with phacoemulsification being the standard surgical treatment. However, postoperative changes in macular thickness (MT) may compromise visual outcomes, particularly in diabetic patients, even in the absence of retinopathy. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) provides a precise tool for evaluating these changes. This prospective comparative interventional study included 184 patients undergoing cataract surgery: 92 non-diabetic and 92 type-2 diabetic patients without retinopathy. Evaluations included BCVA and macular thickness assessments at preoperative, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months postoperative intervals using SD-OCT. The study revealed that type-2 diabetic patients exhibited significantly higher postoperative central foveal thickness (CFT) and prolonged macular thickening. A positive correlation was found between HbA1c levels and MT, indicating that poor glycemic control contributes to persistent thickening. Conclusion: SD-OCT monitoring and glycemic optimization are essential for improved visual outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery.