Effects of cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement on scanning laser polarimetry of the peripapillary nerve fiber layer.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement on scanning laser polarimetry of the peripapillary nerve fiber layer.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Thirty-four eyes of 33 patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens were imaged using the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer within 4 weeks before and at least 4 weeks after cataract surgery. Preoperative and postoperative mean images were compared. The effects of cataract severity and type, and intraocular lens material, were also examined.

RESULTS

Comparison of preoperative and postoperative mean scanning laser polarimetry measurements revealed that eyes in which acrylic intraocular lenses (n = 11) were placed had a significant increase in scanning laser polarimetry for the total band circumference, and superior, inferior, and nasal quadrants (P < or =.041). Placement of silicone (n = 15) and polymethylmethacrylate (n = 8) intraocular lenses did not result in statistically significant changes in scanning laser polarimetry measurements. However, eight of 34 eyes (23.5%) had changes of 15% or more postoperatively in the total circumference measurement, including eyes with acrylic, silicone, and polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract extraction with intraocular lens was associated with a statistically significant change in mean scanning laser polarimetry values in eyes that received an acrylic intraocular lens. In individual patients, clinically important changes (15% or greater) in scanning laser polarimetry measurements were not uncommon irrespective of intraocular lens type. New baseline scanning laser polarimetry measurements may be warranted in eyes that undergo cataract extraction with intraocular lens.