Influence of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL-implantation onintraocular 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 an d based on heterogenous groups of patients. Therefore, the purpose of our s tudy was to prospectively assess the effect of phacoemulsification and post erior 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 wit h the same technique. Results. Mean IOP in patients with cataract and without glaucoma was preope ratively 15,1 mmHg.6 months postoperatively these patients showed a mean de crease of IOP of 11,9% (1,8 mmHg+/-3,8; p=0.027); after 12 months IOP showe d 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 m edication could be suspended. Conclusion. Reduction of IOP is a positive side effect of phacoemulsificati on and posterior chamber IOL implantation and should be considered when ind icating cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma and only slight elevatio n of IOP.