AIM: To explore the application value of glycosylated hemoglobin after cataract surgery in diabetic patients.

METHODS: Selected 120 patients with cataract surgery from May 2014 to May 2016 in ophthalmology department of our hospital, were divided into diabetic group(80 patients with 110 eyes)and control group(40 patients with 48 eyes). According to the HbA1c levels, diabetic group was divided into high HbA1c group(HbA1c>7.0%)and low HbA1c group(HbA1c≤7%). The total macular volume and central retinal thickness were observed before and at 1mo after the cataract operation in the three groups.

RESULTS: The central retinal thickness of the macular area in the diabetic group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05). The total volume of macular foveal retinal thickness before and at 1mo after the operation in the high HbA1c group were significantly higher than those of low HbA1c group and the control group(P<0.05). The indexes of preoperative and 1mo postoperative of low HbA1c group were slightly higher than those of the normal control group(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: HbA1c is positively correlated with macular retinal thickness after cataract surgery, and it can be used for monitoring the occurrence and development of macular edema after cataract surgery. For patients whose preoperative HbA1c is higher than 7%, the application of active intervention is needed to protect the visual function.