Changes in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) after Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Occludable Angle Of Anterior Chamber

Abstract

Purpose:The study was aimed to evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in eyes with occludable angle of anterior chamber and compare the results with eyes having open angle in patients without previously diagnosed glaucoma. Methods: Study subjects were cataract patients scheduled for phacoemulsification, having open or occludable angles. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 eyes each, having open angle and occludable angles after evaluation by gonioscopy. A total of 60 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification were analyzed on post-operative day 1, day 7, day 30 and day 90. Outcome measures included estimation of visual acuity, IOP and central corneal thickness. Results:The two groups showed significant reduction in IOP (p<0.05) after phacoemulsification. Increase in IOP was observed at day 7 but thereafter there was a gradual reduction in IOP throughout 12 weeks of follow-up period in both the groups. The mean reduction in IOP in Group I with occludable angles was 1.9 mm of Hg (8.3%) and in Group II was 1.4 mm of Hg (6.3%). Comparison between two groups has not shown any significant difference in terms of IOP reduction. Conclusions:Removal of the cataract using phacoemulsification serves as a modality to decrease IOP in eyes showing borderline raised IOP. We observed that the eyes with occludable angle showed a higher reduction in IOP levels after cataract surgery as compared to the open angle group. However, both the groups demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP in the follow-up period. Phacoemulsification does have a role in reduction of IOP which may affect the long-term prognosis in the management of glaucoma with cataract.