Preoperative anti-VEGF therapy reduces swelling after cataract surgery in diabetic eyes

Administering anti-VEGF treatment 1 week before cataract surgery is more effective at preventing postoperative macular swelling in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) than giving the treatment at the time of surgery, according to a study.

Researchers compared 4 groups of diabetic patients, including those with no diabetic retinopathy (DR), those with DR but no DME, and 2 groups with DME who received anti-VEGF either during or 1 week before surgery.

The results showed a significant increase in central macular thickness after surgery in all groups except the one that received anti-VEGF therapy a week prior. This group also showed more stable mean macular thickness postoperatively, suggesting that early intervention with anti-VEGF may help prevent macular swelling after surgery.

Reference
Güven YZ, Işık MU, Ilgüy S, et al. Phacoemulsification surgery in patients with diabetic macular edema: should intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy be performed before or simultaneously with surgery? Int J Ophthalmol. 2025;18(4):637-641. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2025.04.09. PMID: 40256016; PMCID: PMC11947536.