Macular edema induced by phacoemulsification

Purpose: To characterise the association between lens phacoemulsification a nd the development of macular edema. Methods: We studied 15 patients who un derwent lens phacoemulsification in our clinic between January and April 19 98 performed by the same surgeon. Ultrasound power and cumulative time was noted. Follow-up was performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months after op eration. On each visit corneal thickness, best corrected visual acuity, bio microscopy and fluorescein angiography were performed. Patients with system ic diseases and/or retinal diseases were not included. Results: Visual acui ty was inversely related to the amount of energy delivered during phacoemul sification. In patients who had received more than 1 Joule of energy, fluor escein angiography revealed a higher incidence of blood retinal barrier bre akdown. Corneal thickness was not correlated with the ultrasound energy use d. Conclusions: Excessive use of power during phacoemulsification may hampe r the postoperative evolution of cataract surgery.