Intraocular pressure reduction following phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation in glaucoma patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterio r chamber intraocular lens implantation (Phaco/PC IOL) in primary open-angl e glaucoma (POAG) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed preoperative and postoperative IOP in 31 consecutive medically-controlled POAG patients who underwent uneventful Phaco/PC IOL, None of the patients had prior intraocu lar surgery. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP in the POAG group was 18.1 +/- 3.1 mm Hg with patients receiving a mean of 1.7 antiglaucoma medications. With a mea n follow-up of 16.4 months, the average postoperative IOP in the POAG group was 15.2 +/- 2.3 mm Hg (P <.001, Student's t test) with patients receiving a mean of 0.7 antiglaucoma medication (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Phaco/PC IOL may be associated with a significant decrease in I OP in POAG patients, allowing for decreased postoperative antiglaucoma medi cation.