The Changes of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) in Cataracts undergoing Phacoemulsification using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) is one of the vital layers of the retina with regard to the incidence and subsequent treatment of glaucoma. The damage done by glaucoma specifically involves this layer. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is widely used by ophthalmologists for diagnosing and following retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), and OCT measurement of RNFL thickness is valuable for glaucoma screening and detection of progression. Cataract affects the measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as measured on OCT; and cataract surgery enhances the ability of OCT to measure the changes in retinal layers. We need to pay attention about the effects of phacoemulsification on RNFL thickness and its consequences to preserve the eye delicate tissues and structures and assure its functions and the knowledge will be beneficial for patients’ treatment in future.