Effect of cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation on ocular hemodynamics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of cataract extraction on ocular hemodynamics.

SETTING

University Eye Clinic of Ulm, Germany.

METHODS

In 51 consecutive patients assigned for cataract surgery, pulse amplitude, pulse volume, and pulsatile ocular blood flow were measured 1 day before and 3 days and 12 months after cataract extraction using an ocular blood flow tonograph. Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

In the study eyes, 3 days after cataract surgery pulse amplitude, pulse volume, and pulsatile ocular blood flow had decreased from 2.5 to 2.1 mm Hg (P = .0014), 5.0 to 4.4 microliters (P = .0059), and 836.2 to 728.0 microliters/min (P = .0017), respectively. No statistically significant change between preoperative and 3 day postoperative measurements occurred in the fellow eyes. There was no significant difference in systemic blood pressure, heart rate, or IOP in study and fellow eyes before and 3 days after cataract surgery. The early reduction of pulse amplitude, pulse volume, and pulsatile ocular blood flow in the study eyes was not present 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Uncomplicated cataract extraction is associated with a temporary ipsilateral impairment of ocular hemodynamics. A neural mechanism triggered by cataract extraction may be involved in these temporary changes.