# Comparison of Vascular Density Changes After Cataract Surgery in Diabetic Patients with and Without Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

## TL;DR

This study compares changes in retinal blood vessel density after cataract surgery in diabetic patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome using advanced imaging.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct vascular density changes in diabetic patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome after cataract surgery.

## Key findings

- Perifoveal vascular density in the deep capillary plexus increased significantly in both groups three months after surgery.
- Parafoveal vascular density in the superior and deep capillary plexus increased in non-PEXS patients.
- Vascular changes were more pronounced in non-PEXS patients in the parafoveal regions.

## Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate changes in the central retina in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing uncomplicated small incision cataract surgery with or without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this prospective, longitudinal study, 67 T2DM patients underwent cataract surgery. Twelve of them had PEXS. All parameters were measured at two time points. Macular 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm OCTA images were obtained. All data were analyzed using R statistical software (version 4.4.1). Results: Parafoveal vascular density (VD) in the superior capillary plexus and the deep capillary plexus increased in the non-PEX group. There was an increase in VD in perifoveal vascular density in the deep capillary plexus in both groups. Three months after cataract surgery, changes in perifoveal vascular density in the deep capillary plexus increased in both groups and were significant. Conclusion: Perifoveal vascular density in the deep capillary plexus showed a significant increase in VD, regardless of the presence of PEXS. Parafoveal VD in the deep and superficial capillary plexuses appeared to be sensitive primarily in non-PEXS patients, with a notable increase observed in these areas three months after surgery.