Macular Toxicity of Low-Concentration Cefuroxime during Cataract Surgery in Vitrectomized Eyes

AbstractIntroduction: The objective of this study was to determine the toxic effect and clinical characteristics of 1 mg/mL cefuroxime sodium on retinas after phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes. Methods: Cataract patients with vitrectomized eyes were studied retrospectively. Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation was performed uneventfully. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus photography, macular central thickness, and angiography were collected and analyzed. They were studied in patients with macular edema to evaluate macular toxicity. Results: Ninety two cases (92 eyes) were enrolled, including 44 eyes of males and 48 eyes of females with an average age of 55.35 ± 12.32 years. Univariate analysis showed that the intraoperative use of balanced salt solution containing 1 mg/mL cefuroxime sodium compound electrolyte and macular involvement in primary vitrectomy were important risk factors for macular edema on the first day after cataract surgery ( p < 0.05). In addition, the characteristics of this kind of macular edema were studied; the thickness of macular fovea was significantly high at 1-day follow-up ( p < 0.05), but there was no difference between pre-operation and 1-week post-operation ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: Low-concentration cefuroxime sodium can cause acute macular edema in vitrectomized eyes, which can heal within 1 week after surgery.