Influence of Phacoemulsification on the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate influence of phacoemulsification on the progression of diabetic retinopathy METHODS: The medical charts of 82 eyes of 41 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) who had unilateral phacoemulsification were retrospectively reviewed. The course of diabetic retinopathy was followed up for more than 2 years. Each stage of DR progression was indicated by a unique score, and a comparison of the progression of DR between operated and non-operated eyes was performed using the devised scoring system. RESULTS: The progression of 82 eyes at a mean follow-up period of 28 months was evaluated. DR progressed more in operated eyes than in non-operated eyes (P=0.006). The progression of proliferative DR in operated eyes (19.5%, 8 eyes) was significantly greater (P=0.029) than in non-operated eyes (2.4%, 2 eyes). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification resulted in a progression of diabetic retinopathy. Careful approach to the cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy would be recommended.