Optical coherence tomography evaluation of macular edema after phacoemulsification surgery with intracameral mydriatics.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the macular edema induced by intracameral mydriatics in phacoemulsification surgery.

METHODS

University hospital eye clinic, Umeå, Sweden.

METHODS

In a randomized study of 22 patients, 11 patients were given 150 muL of a mixture of phenylephrine 1.5% and lidocaine 1% intracamerally for mydriasis and anesthesia. In a control group (n = 11), conventional topical mydriatics and intracameral lidocaine were given. Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no differences in macular edema between the 2 treatments. A correlation was seen between macular edema and impaired visual acuity 1 week postoperatively. On the first postoperative day, a similar correlation was seen between corneal edema and the degree of visual improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral lidocaine and phenylephrine for mydriasis and anesthesia did not induce more significant macular edema than the standard regimen of topical mydriatics plus intracameral lidocaine. Macular edema limited visual improvement 1 week after phacoemulsification, while corneal edema appeared to have a larger effect immediately after surgery.