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.