Optic nerve head and peripapillary vessel density postcataract surgery – Optical coherence tomography angiography study

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) postuncomplicated phacoemulsification (phaco) with intraocular lens implantation. Methodology: This was a prospective observational study. Forty participants who do not have any ocular pathology other than cataract were included in the study after informed consent. All participants underwent uncomplicated phaco with intraocular lens implantation. OCT-A of the ONH and peripapillary area was performed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: Postphaco intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 13.9 ± 2.5 mmHg to 12.7 ± 1.7 mmHg at 3 months postoperatively ( P = 0.005). In the Phaco group, the mean ONHvd improved from 62.95% ±1.75% to 63.69% ±1.89% ( P = 0.004) at 3 months, and the mean PPAvd also improved from 63.36% ±2.08% to 64.21% ±2.05% ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: Cataract surgery reduces IOP significantly and improves perfusion around the ONH. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess if this effect is sustained.