Dr. NAREN SHETTY

Dr. ROHIT SHETTY

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if molecular factors and imaging markers can predict post-cataract surgery (CS) retinal pathologies.

Methods: Retinal pathologies were determined by fundus and OCT imaging. Aqueous humor(AH) was collected from patients(n=224) undergoing CS and soluble factor profile including VEGF and inflammatory mediator were determined by multiplex ELISA using flow cytometry.

Results: Subjects with incidental mild retinal pathologies(pre-op) had altered levels of VEGF, FasL and IL-17F. Patients with diabetes and hypertension had significantly higher levels of VEGF and MCP1 compared to those with hypertension. Higher(P<0.05) levels of MIG, L-selectin, VCAM and FasL) were observed in patients requiring treatment for retinal pathologies post-CS. Increased levels of VEGF was also observed in this group of patients. Conclusion: Patients who developed retinal pathologies post-CS had higher levels of inflammatory factors at the time of surgery, highlighting their predictive value.