Optical coherence tomography-angiography vascular changes in macula following cataract surgery

Background: The study was done to estimate vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD) and Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) changes in macula after uncomplicated cataract surgery and to compare the same between diabetics and nondiabetics. Methods: 63 patients who had undergone cataract surgery were included in study, 32 nondiabetics, 31 diabetics. After standard ophthalmic examination, Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography scans were taken preoperatively & at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months of postoperative period. Results: Vessel density and perfusion density values were higher and FAZ values were lower in non-diabetics when compared with diabetics in preoperative and postoperative period. Vessel density and perfusion density increased significantly in both groups at 3 weeks visit but there was no significant increase in following visits. FAZ perimeter and circularity index decreased significantly and FAZ area decreased insignificantly in both groups. The difference in rate of these changes between 2 groups was insignificant. Conclusions: Similar changes were observed in other studies as well. These changes in our study could be a result of an increase in light exposure after cataract surgery. Although other studies suggest various reasons for this change in their study. Whether these changes are beneficial to macula or worsens DR cannot be concluded with the present study as it requires more studies with larger samples and longer follow-up.