Effect of infusion pressure during cataract surgery on ganglion cells measured using isolated-check visual evoked potential.

Aim: To detect the relationship between infusion pressure and postoperative ganglion cells function.

Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included sixty-one eyes that underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to infusion time (IT) recorded using surgery equipment [Group A: IT>IT (27 eyes); Group B: IT
Results: Neither group showed significant postoperative changes in macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGC-IPL) thickness (1-week postoperative: Group A =0.185, Group B =0.381; 1-month postoperative: Group A =0.775, Group B =0.652). Postoperative mGC-IPL thickness of Group A was not significantly thicker than that of Group B at both post surgery time point (1-week postoperative =0.913; 1-month postoperative =0.954). In Group A, the mGC-IPL thickness change 1wk postoperatively was positively correlated with IT (R=0.156, =0.0198). A suspected progressive deficit in the magnocellular pathway was also found in Group A 1-month postoperatively [individual observed F (IOF)=0.63±0.70]. Significant increases were observed in postoperative retinal sensitivity measured by microperimetry (1-week postoperative: Group A =0.015, Group B <0.001; 1-month postoperative: Group A =0.005, Group B <0.001). In Group B, IT was negatively correlated with the increase in macular sensitivity (1-week postoperative: =0.372, <0.001; 1-month postoperative: =0.209, =0.007).

Conclusion: Both mGC-IPL thickness and retinal sensitivity increased postoperatively. A suspected progressive deficit in the magnocellular pathway was found in the group with a long IT, which induced more prominent changes.