Early changes in intraocular pressure following phacoemulsification

Purpose: To evaluate early postoperative changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Methods: This prospective study included 129 eyes with open angles and normal or high IOP undergoing phacoemulsification and IOL implantation for senile cataracts. The patients were divided into 3 groups (Gs) based on preoperative IOP: ≤15 mmHg (G1, n=76); from 16 to 20 mmHg (G2, n=43) and; from 21 to 30 mmHg (G3, n=10). IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry one day before surgery, and 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results: IOP was decreased postoperatively in all study groups 1 and 6 weeks after surgery as follows: 2.8±1.5 and 1.8±1.7 mmHg respectively in G1 (P<0.001); 4.2±1.9 and 4.3±2.9 mmHg respectively in G2 (P<0.001), and 8.3±4.3 and 9.3±4.1 mmHg respectively in G3 (P<0.001). At the end of the sixth postoperative week, the percentage of IOP change for G1, G2 and G3 was 13.5%±12.7, 24.5%±11.7 and 38.3%±16.2, respectively.

Conclusion: IOP significantly decreased after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in normal subjects with open angles and those with ocular hypertension. IOP reduction was greater in eyes with higher preoperative IOP.