Post-phacoemulsification Vascular Changes in the Macula and Optic Nerve Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION

Age-related cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and phacoemulsification is the standard surgical treatment. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) enables non-invasive assessment of these microvascular changes. However, findings from individual studies remain inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to determine potential vascular changes in the macula and optic nerve using OCTA following phacoemulsification.

METHODS

This review was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three different databases-Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science-were searched for relevant studies published from 2015 to June 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Study Quality Assessment Tools developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Among the identified studies, 21 were included in the review. All included studies assessed the changes in the retinal vascular network following phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

The quality of most of the studies was moderate to high. Most studies reported an increase in vascular density in various vascular plexuses, though these changes varied by retinal region, vascular plexus, and follow-up duration. A reduction in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was also observed. These changes may be attributed to post-operative inflammation, decreased intraocular pressure (IOP) and increased retinal metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this systematic review reveal that most included studies reported an increase in vascular density in various plexuses. These changes varied depending on retinal region, specific plexus, and follow-up duration. Additionally, a reduction in the FAZ was commonly observed. Patient-specific factors, such as diabetes and myopia, were associated with variability in vascular response.