Treatment of age-related macular degeneration after cataract surgery: a study from the Swedish National Cataract and Macula Registers

Management of Cataract in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two of the most common eye diseases of aging. This review addresses the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative considerations in managing cataract in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Surgery for visually significant cataracts in patients with AMD can substantially improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of falls. Pre-operative optical coherence tomography is now recommended where possible to identify pre-existing macula disease. Careful counselling of patients is required before cataract surgery, especially with respect to the expected visual outcome, intraocular lens choice and potential risks of surgery. Real-world data has suggested 6 months of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular AMD before cataract surgery is compatible with optimum long-term visual outcomes. Patients receiving intravitreal therapy for neovascular AMD should be advised of the slightly higher risk of intraoperative complications and the surgeon should be prepared to manage these during the operation. During cataract surgery, unnecessary light exposure should be avoided to reduce phototoxicity. Careful planning of intravitreal therapy for neovascular AMD just before cataract surgery allows the eye greater recovery time in the post-operative period before further planned intravitreal therapy.

Risk model for intraoperative complication during cataract surgery based on data from 900 000 eyes: previous intravitreal injection is a risk factor

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to develop a risk model for intraoperative complication (IC) during cataract surgery, defined as posterior capsule rupture and/or zonular dehiscence, and to include previous intravitreal therapy (pIVT) in the model.

METHODS

This retrospective register-based study covered patients reported to the Swedish National Cataract Register (SNCR) between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2018. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to quantify association strength of each variable with IC. Data from the SNCR were cross referenced with the Swedish Macula Register to include data on pIVT. Variables statistically significant in the univariate analyses (p<0.05) were included in a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The inclusion criteria were met by 907 499 eyes. The overall rate of IC was 0.86%. Variables significantly associated with IC were best corrected visual acuity ≥1.0 LogMAR (OR (adjusted): 1.75, p<0.001), age ≥90 years (OR: 1.25, p<0.001), male sex (OR: 1.09, p<0.01), pseudoexfoliation (OR: 1.33, p<0.001), glaucoma (OR: 1.11, p<0.05), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 1.35, p<0.001), pIVT (OR: 1.45, p<0.05), surgeon's experience <600 surgeries (OR: 2.77, p<0.001), use of rhexis hooks (OR: 6.14, p<0.001), blue staining (OR: 1.87, p<0.001) and mechanical pupil dilation (OR: 1.52, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The risk model can be used in the preoperative setting to predict the probability of IC, to facilitate planning of surgery and improving patient communication. Patients who have undergone intravitreal therapy prior to cataract surgery have an increased risk of IC during cataract surgery.