Macular spectral domain optical coherence tomography data in Indian subjects with cataract

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study is to provide baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular parameters data in Indian subjects with cataract and to compare these parameters with the published normative data on Indian population to understand the effect of cataract on macular thickness using cirrus spectral domain OCT. Material and Methods: This was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional analysis of 108 eyes of 108 cataract cases of north Indian origin. Results: It was observed that age of the patients and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) are not found to be the independent factor predicting the change in the mean values of different OCT parameters of macular thickness studied (linear regression analysis β = −2.197 to 0.34, P = 0.902–0.073). Comparison of mean values of different OCT parameters of macular thickness of studied patients with the normative population data from Indian population showed statistical difference in the values with noncataractous population having higher values for most of the studied parameters (t-test; t = 93.6–9.2, P = 0.007–0.043). Conclusion: Though the mean macular thickness of a cataract patient is lesser than that of population, age of the cataract patient does not independently predict the variation in baseline macular thickness. The BCVA achieved after an uneventful cataract surgery is found to be independent of baseline macular thickness of the patient. Moreover the presence of cataract or its grade is not associated with baseline macular thickness of the patient.