Effects of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation on intraocular pressure in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of cataract surgery by phacoemulsification on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty PACG patients who underwent phacoemulsification between January 2004 and May 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and post-operative visual acuity, IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications were recorded. Lens thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD) of pre-operative were also recorded. Patients who had previous intraocular surgeries or complicated cataract surgeries were excluded.

RESULTS

Visual acuity logMAR improved significantly (0.17, p < 0.01). Mean IOP after cataract surgery decreased significantly (4.50 mmHg, p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between the decrease in IOP and lens thickness or ACD. Twenty percent of PACG patients were free of antiglaucoma medication after cataract surgery.

CONCLUSION

Phacoemulsification not only improves the visual acuity in PACG patients but also reduces IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications required significantly. The change in IOP does not significantly correlate with lens thickness or ACD.