Comparison of macular thickness in diabetic patients without retinopathy after small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification surgery

Author : Dr. Sampada Jagtap

Abstract : Background: Diabetic patients are at increased risk of postoperative retinal changes following cataract surgery. Macular thickening may occur even in the absence of diabetic retinopathy and can affect visual outcomes. Aims & Objectives: This study compared postoperative macular thickness following Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification in diabetic patients without retinopathy. Methods: This comparative observational study included 64 diabetic patients with senile cataract without diabetic retinopathy. Patients were divided into two groups: SICS (n=32) and phacoemulsification (n=32). Macular thickness was assessed using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) preoperatively and postoperatively on day 1, at 1 week, and at 4 weeks. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also evaluated. Results: The mean preoperative macular thickness was comparable between the SICS and phacoemulsification groups (224.8 ± 12.6 µm vs 223.2 ± 11.9 µm; p=0.62). Both groups demonstrated a progressive increase in macular thickness postoperatively. At 4 weeks, mean macular thickness was significantly higher in the SICS group (247.8 ± 15.6 µm) than in the phacoemulsification group (239.3 ± 14.1 µm; p=0.028). The mean increase from baseline was also significantly greater following SICS (23.0 ± 8.2 µm) compared with phacoemulsification (16.1 ± 7.3 µm; p=0.004). Visual acuity improved significantly in both groups; however, phacoemulsification showed superior visual outcomes at 1 week and 4 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Both surgical techniques resulted in transient postoperative macular thickening; however, phacoemulsification was associated with less macular thickening and better visual outcomes compared to MSICS.

Keywords : Diabetes mellitus, cataract surgery, macular thickness, OCT, phacoemulsification, SICS.

Conference Name : International Congress on Ophthalmology and Corneal Disorders (ICOACD - 26)

Conference Place : Goa, India

Conference Date : 19th Jul 2026