[Intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and implantation of silicone plate haptic intraocular lenses without viscoelastics].

BACKGROUND

A rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract operation is a well known problem. Avoidance of the use of viscoelastics seems to solve the problem.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The IOP was measured in a group of 33 eyes of 33 patients one day before, as well as 6 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable silicone plate haptic intraocular lens without viscoelastics and by means of an injector and of the anterior chamber maintainer.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative IOP was 16.1 +/- 3.9 mm Hg (range 10 to 28 mm Hg). Postoperatively mean IOP was 12.3 +/- 3.3 mm Hg (range 5 to 18 mm Hg) after 6 hours (p < 0.0001), 13.8 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (range 7 to 19 mm Hg) after 24 hours (p = 0.032), and 15.5 +/- 3.4 (range 10 to 24) after one week (p = 0.39). In none of the eyes was the pressure in the first 24 hours higher than 18 mm Hg. When excluding the 4 patients with glaucoma and PEX or when taking them as a separate group, the results were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure elevation after cataract operation without the use of viscoelastic substances can be avoided, thus contributing not only to lower costs but also to a higher safety.