Macular Edema and Visual Acuity Observation after Cataract Surgery in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Objective: The purpose was to explore the effect of cataract surgery on postoperative macular edema and visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: 88 patients with diabetic retinopathy treated in our hospital (December 2019-December 2020) were chosen as research subjects and divided into experimental group of 44 patients (52 eyes) and control group of 44 patients (54 eyes) according to the odd and even admission numbers. The control group received laser photocoagulation treatment, while the experimental group underwent cataract surgery. The central macular thickness (CMT) and visual acuity of the two groups after treatment were detected to evaluate the therapeutic effect of different treatment methods on diabetic retinopathy.

Results: No obvious differences in sex ratio, average age, average course of disease, average weight, average BMI, average glycosylated hemoglobin, and residence were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). The total clinical effective rate in the experimental group was obviously higher compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The CMT at T1, T2, and T3 in the experimental group was obviously lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The BCVA in the experimental group at 1 month and 3 months after treatment was obviously higher compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The VEGF levels of both groups after treatment were obviously lower (P < 0.001), and the VEGF level in the experimental group after treatment was obviously lower compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The total incidence of complications in the experimental group was obviously lower compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Cataract surgery is a reliable method to improve visual acuity and reduce serum inflammatory indicators in patients with diabetic retinopathy, with better clinical effect than laser photocoagulation, which is recommended for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Figure 1

Comparison of CMT at different time (‾x ± s). Note: the abscissa represented T0, T1, T2 and T3, and the ordinate represented CMT values (μm). The CMT values at T0, T1, T2, and T3 in experimental group were 429.35 ± 76.45 μm, 366.27 ± 60.35 μm, 332.47 ± 51.62 μm, and 236.62 ± 35.42 μm, respectively. The CMT values at T0, T1, T2, and T3 in the control group were 429.39 ± 76.42 μm, 401.13 ± 58.69 μm, 376.23 ± 51.43 μm, and 271.74 ± 32.17 μm, respectively. ^∗ indicates an obvious difference in CMT values at T1 between the two groups (t = 3.015, P < 0.05). ^∗∗ indicates an obvious difference in CMT values at T2 between the two groups (t = 4.371, P < 0.001). ^∗∗∗ indicates an obvious difference in CMT values at T3 between the two groups (t = 5.597, P < 0.001).

Figure 2

Comparison of serum VEGF levels (‾x ± s). Note: the abscissa represented before and after treatment, and the ordinate represented the VEGF level (pg/mL). The VEGF levels in the experimental group before and after treatment were 208.73 ± 24.65 pg/mL and 57.46 ± 6.94 pg/mL, respectively. The VEGF levels in control group before and after treatment were 208.69 ± 24.69 pg/mL and 118.23 ± 6.68 pg/mL, respectively. ^∗ indicates an obvious difference in VEGF levels of the experimental group before and after treatment (t = 39.183, P < 0.001). ^∗∗ indicates an obvious difference in VEGF levels of control group before and after treatment (t = 23.460, P < 0.001). ^∗∗∗ indicates an obvious difference in VEGF levels between the two groups after treatment (t = 41.848, P < 0.001).