J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.
2007 Feb;48(2):291-296.
Influence of Phacoemulsification on the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. swkang@smc.samsung.co.kr
- 2Department of Ophthalmology, Hantang University, School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- 3Department of Ophthalmology, Konyang University, Kim's Eye Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
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PURPOSE: To evaluate influence of phacoemulsification on the progression of diabetic retinopathy
METHODS
The medical charts of 82 eyes of 41 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) who had unilateral phacoemulsification were retrospectively reviewed. The course of diabetic retinopathy was followed up for more than 2 years. Each stage of DR progression was indicated by a unique score, and a comparison of the progression of DR between operated and non-operated eyes was performed using the devised scoring system.
RESULTS
The progression of 82 eyes at a mean follow-up period of 28 months was evaluated. DR progressed more in operated eyes than in non-operated eyes (P=0.006). The progression of proliferative DR in operated eyes (19.5%, 8 eyes) was significantly greater (P=0.029) than in non-operated eyes (2.4%, 2 eyes).
CONCLUSIONS
Phacoemulsification resulted in a progression of diabetic retinopathy. Careful approach to the cataract patients with diabetic retinopathy would be recommended.