Combined Phacoemulsification Surgery With Intraviteral Ranibizumab Injection in Cataract and Diabetic Macular Edema

Friday, April 25, 2014
KIOSKS (Boston Convention and Exhibition Center)
Sitki S. Ermis, MD, University of Balikesir, Balikesir, Turkey
Gozde Sahin, MD, University of Balikesir, Balikesir, Turkey
Adil Kilic, MD, University of Balikesir, Balikesir, Turkey

Narrative Responses:

Purpose
We investigated the short term results of combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal ranibizumab injection in patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema.

Methods
Eight eyes of 8 patients were included in this study. Central macular thickness was measured using spectral domain optic coherence tomography (OCT). Intravitreal 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) ranibizumab injection was performed immediately after phacoemulsification surgery through pars plana 3.0-3.5 mm to limbus with a 30 gauge needle. Visual acuity, OCT measurements were performed before, 1 week and 1 month after cataract surgery. Preoperative and postoperative results were compared. Nine eyes of 9 patients with diabetic macular edema were used as a control group in which a single intravitreal ranibizumab injection was performed.

Results
All cases were completed uneventfully and an increase in visual acuity was detected in all cases after surgery. Central macular thicknesses decreased and mean visual acuity increased in single injection group at week 1 and month 1. Macular thickness slightly increased in combined surgery at week 1 and decreased significantly at month 1.

Conclusion
In patients with cataract and diabetic macular edema combined phacoemulsification surgery and intravitreal ranibizumab injection is a safe and effective procedure.