Macular edema induced by phacoemulsification

Purpose: To characterise the association between lens phacoemulsification and the development of macular edema. Methods: We studied 15 patients who underwent lens phacoemulsification in our clinic between January and April 1998 performed by the same surgeon. Ultrasound power and cumulative time was noted. Follow-up was performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. On each visit corneal thickness, best corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography were performed. Patients with systemic diseases and/or retinal diseases were not included. Results: Visual acuity was inversely related to the amount of energy delivered during phacoemulsification. In patients who had received more than 1 Joule of energy, fluorescein angiography revealed a higher incidence of blood retinal barrier breakdown. Corneal thickness was not correlated with the ultrasound energy used. Conclusions: Excessive use of power during phacoemulsification may hamper the postoperative evolution of cataract surgery.