Macular thickness changes after phacoemulsification in previously vitrectomized eyes for diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To report visual results and anatomical outcome after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in eyes that previously underwent pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema. METHODS: This retrospective noncomparative study included 22 eyes of 19 diabetic patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane removal for diabetic macular edema. Main outcome measures included visual acuity and foveal thickness (FT) changes as assessed by optical coherence tomography. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 11.9 ± 8.75 months. Mean FT increased by 20.5 ± 67.6 μm (8.4%), with a mean preoperative FT of 237 ± 69 μm compared with a mean postoperative FT of 257.6 ± 89.8 μm (P = 0.236). Foveal thickness increased by at least 20% in 6 eyes (27.3%), remained within 20% in 14 eyes (63.6%), and decreased by 20% in 2 eyes (9.1%). Visual acuity improved by ≥2 lines in 16 eyes (72.7%) and remained stable in 6 eyes (27.3%). Visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 11 eyes (50%). CONCLUSION: Moderate but insignificant increase in FT was observed after phacoemulsification in eyes that previously underwent pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema. Prospective studies with a large number of patients are warranted for a more reliable conclusion.