[Effect of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation on intraocular pressure in patients with and without open-angle glaucoma].

BACKGROUND

Many of the previous studies which dealt with the influence of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure, were performed retrospectively and based on heterogeneous groups of patients. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to prospectively assess the effect of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular-lens (IOL)-implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP) under standardized conditions in patients with and without open-angle-glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Overall 52 patients were recruited for the study. 34 eyes with normal IOP and 16 eyes with open-angle-glaucoma were operated with the same technique.

RESULTS

Mean IOP in patients with cataract and without glaucoma was preoperatively 15.1 mmHg. 6 months postoperatively these patients showed a mean decrease of IOP of 11.9% (1.8 mmHg +/- 3.8; p = 0.027); after 12 months IOP showed a decrease of 18.5% (2.8 mmHg +/- 3.5; p = 0.0001). In patients with glaucoma mean IOP was preoperatively 17.3 mmHg. IOP was reduced by 23.7% (4.1 mmHg +/- 6.0; p = 0.017) 6 months after cataract surgery and 22.6% (3.9 mmHg +/- 4.5; p = 0.005) 12 months after the operation. In 6 of 16 eyes the antiglaucoma medication could be suspended.

CONCLUSION

Reduction of IOP is a positive side effect of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation and should be considered when indicating cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma and only slight elevation of IOP.