Does Ultrasound Energy Applied During Phacoemulsification Influence the Thickness of Intraretinal Layers?

Background: Phacoemulsification (PE) is a gold standard method of cataract surgery. PE causes structural changes in the macula of the eye. The aim was to determine the amount of ultrasound (US) energy applied during PE, the change in thickness of the intraretinal layers, and the correlation between the applied US energy and the change in the thickness of the intraretinal layers in five predefined areas of the macula. Methods: This prospective study included 102 eyes of 79 consecutive subjects without other eye or systemic diseases that can affect the eyes submitted to PE. The macular layer thickness was measured on the day of PE (day 0) and at 7, 30, and 90 days after PE using an OCT device. Recorded images were based on posterior pole asymmetry analysis. Results: Statistically significant correlations of applied US energy and the change in thickness of retinal layers were found 90 days after PE in 6 out of 10 macular layers in different macula regions. Conclusions: The results suggest interconnections between US energy spent during PE and the change in the thickness of individual retinal layers of the macula, in different ranges, unevenly, in five defined areas of the macula.