S. Link et al., Influence of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL-implantation onintraocular pressure in patients with and without open angle glaucoma, OPHTHALMOLO, 97(6), 2000, pp. 402-406
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.