Assessment of Nerve Fiber Layer and Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness Changes after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification by Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Background: Phacoemulsification is considered one of the most prevalent surgical techniques in ophthalmologic practice. The thickness measurements of the retinal layer may be altered following easy surgery for cataracts due to the presence of lens opacity, which can lead to inaccurate measures of the retinal layer's thickness.

Aim and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the alterations in the nerve fiber layer & ganglion cell layer thickness measurements following uncomplicated phacoemulsification.

Patients and methods: This pre-post quasi-experimental research was performed on 51 cases with cataracts who received uncomplicated phacoemulsification in the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic, Suez Canal University Hospitals, Ismailia.

Results: At  baseline, the average thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was 88.32 ± 16.3 µm, and the mean ganglion cell layer (GCL)  thickness was 77.36 ± 5.88 µm. A significant raise observed in visual acuity (VA), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and GCL thickness  postoperatively. A significant association was observed among visual acuity and RNFL thickness. 

Conclusion: There was an increase in  layer of retinal nerve fiber & ganglion cell layer thickness evaluated by 3D optical coherence tomography associated with a rise in the  visual acuity of patients experiencing uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery.