Purpose: To evaluate macular thickness changes after uneventful cataract su
rgery using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compare the findings wit
h those of flare and cell measurements of the anterior chamber.
Setting: Clinique Sourdille, Nantes, France.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 41 eyes having uneventful cataract su
rgery with a clear corneal small incision and intracapsular fixation of a f
oldable intraocular lens were evaluated by OCT and laser flare and cell mea
surements preoperatively and 1, 8 to 12, and 30 to 60 days postoperatively.
Results: Some postoperative increase in macular thickness was noted in 11 e
yes. This was not related to a higher postoperative flare. Visual consequen
ces were proportional to the macular elevation.
Conclusion: Clinical and subclinical thickness changes, without breakdown o
f the blood-aqueous barrier, can be detected after cataract surgery. Most o
f these changes resolve spontaneously, but their mid- and long-term signifi
cance is unknown.