Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Evaluation Of Macular And Peripapillary Early Blood Flow Variations After Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery

Published 2022 - 40th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FPS05.05 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/xjzb-ha21

Authors: Antonio Baldascino* ¹ , Tomaso Caporossi ¹ , Giulia Grieco ¹ , Giuseppe Raguso ¹ , Matteo Mario Carlà ¹ , Gloria Gambini ¹ , Stanislao Rizzo ¹

¹ophthalmology,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli,Rome,Italy

Purpose

To investigate the changes of macular and optic nerve perfusion analysed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in normal ageing subjects according to cataract severity.

Setting

Fondazione Universitaria Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted on 34 phacoemulsification cataract extractions that were performed between February 1, 2020 and May 1, 2021, at our ophthalmology unit. All patients underwent routine examinations prior to cataract surgery. Enrolled eyes performed OCTA, at baseline (preoperative visit, T0) and after surgery, at day: 1 (T1) and 7 (T7). Optical coherence tomography angiography scans were obtained with the Angio-Vue Retina and Angio-Vue Disc 6.4 x 6.4 mm patterns (SOLIX FullRange ™ OCT, Optovue) centered on the fovea and optic disc, respectively. Vascular density (VD, %) and fovea avascular zone (FAZ, mm2) was calculated with the in-built algorithm for superficial plexus (SVP), deep plexus (DVP) and choriocapillar plexus (CC).

Results

There was a significant increase between T0 and T7 in SVP (41,25+7,4 vs 45,59+5,5) and DVP (37,35+7,3 vs 43,7+9,4) VDs, a decrease in the FAZ (0,26 + 0,1 vs 0,27 +0,1) at the macular area after the cataract surgery regardless cataract severity (all P <0.05). On the other side, we reported a non significant CC and peripapillary small VD variations in early postoperative period. No significant variations in relation to cataract severity were found (P>0.05).

Conclusions

After cataract surgery, macular VD increased significantly in both SVP and DVP, and this could be related to the higher blood supply request linked to the postoperative augmented light exposure. Optic nerve and CC seems to be not involved in these alterations, thus suggesting that these variations are not related with the post surgical inflammation.