IOP evaluation in glaucoma patients after phacoemulsification

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification Methods 107 glaucoma patients underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction from June 2006 to May 2009. The follow up period was 6 months. No medication was discontinued preoperatively The mean value of preoperative IOP was16,33 mmHg (10‐28mmHg). 41 patients ( 38,3%) were under single medication treatment, 35 (32,7%) were under two medications, 23 (21,5%) were under three and 8 (7,5%) were under four medications. IOP was measured on the 1st day, 1 week, 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. If IOP was <25mmHg, no additional medication was given, and if IOP was >25mmHg, acetazolamide was given during the first week and topical medication after that Results Final IOP was <20mmHg without treatment in 50.8% of the patients, 27,6% were under single medication treatment, 17,9% were under two medications, 3,7% were under three medications and none was under four medications Conclusion A reduction of at least one glaucoma medication was observed postoperatively. Cataract extraction with phacoemulsification has a positive influence in postoperative IOP in glaucoma patients and can delay or even avert a possible trabeculectomy.