Anterior capsule contraction and flare intensity in the early stages after cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the changes and relationship in the area of the anterior capsule opening (ACO) and anterior inflammation during the early stages after cataract surgery in diabetic patients with or without diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.

Design: Case-control study.

Methods: This study comprised diabetic patients without DR (non-DR group), diabetic patients with nonproliferative DR (DR group), and patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) (non-DM group) who had cataract surgery. The ACO area and aqueous flare intensity were measured using the EAS-1000 device and a laser flare-cell meter, respectively, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months after surgery.

Results: The percentage of anterior capsule contraction (ACC) was significantly higher in the DR group than in the non-DR and non-DM groups 1 week and 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P<.01, Turkey-Kramer test). The aqueous flare intensity was significantly greater in the DR group than in the non-DR and non-DM groups 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P<.01). Ordinary least-squares regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between aqueous flare intensity at 1 week and ACC 3 months after surgery in the non-DR group (P=.0178, R(2) = 0.173) and the DR group (P=.0018, R(2) = 0.308).

Conclusion: Greater anterior flare levels 1 week after cataract surgery contributed to the extensive postoperative contraction of the ACO in diabetic patients, particularly those with DR.