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PURPOSE: To determine the effects of cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) 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 IOL were imaged using the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer within four weeks before and at least four weeks after cataract surgery. Pre- and postoperative mean images were compared. The effects if cataract severity and type, and IOL material, were also examined. RESULTS: Comparison of pre- and postoperative mean scanning laser polarimetry measurements revealed that eyes in which acrylic IOLs (n = 11) were placed had a significant increase in scanning laser polarimetry for the total band circumference, and superior, inferior, and nasal quadrants (p ≤ 0.041). Placement of silicone (n = 15) and polymethylmethacrylate (n = 8) IOLs did not result in statistically significant changes in scanning laser polarimetry measurements. However, eight of 34 eyes (23.5%) had changes of 15% of more postoperatively in the total circumference measurement, including eyes with acrylic, silicone, and polymethylmethacrylate IOLs. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract extraction with IOL was associated with a statistically significance change in mean scanning laser polarimetry values in eyes that received an acrylic IOL. In individual patients, clinically important changes (15% or greater) in scanning laser polarimetry measurements were not uncommon, irrespective of IOL type. New baseline scanning laser polarimetry measurements may be warranted in eyes that undergo cataract extraction with IOL.
Dr P.P. Chen, Department of Ophthalmology, Box 356485, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. pchen@u.washington.edu
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)