Intraocular Pressure Changes Following Phacoemulsification

Objective: To analyze the effect of phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) and to evaluate the management for high postoperative IOP. Material and Methods: Data of 812 eyes of 584 consecutive patients (330 males and 254 females) who underwent Uneventful phacoemulsification in Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University Adana Research Center were investigated retrospectively. The ages ranged between 26 and 89 years (65.5 +/- 9.8 years). Intraocular pressure values of preoperative and postoperative first day, first week and first month visits were recorded. Intraocular pressures over 22 mm Hg were considered as high IOP. Either anterior chamber decompression or antiglaucomatous medication was used to decrease the postoperative rise in IOP. Changes in TOP were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: The mean preoperative TOP was 15.6 +/- 4.3 mmHg, which increased to 19.7 +/- 9.0 mmHg on the 1st day (p<0.001). The IOP decreased significantly to 12.7 +/- 4.5 mmHg at 1st week, and 12.8 +/- 3.7 mmHg at 1st month (p<0.001, both). In 249 (30.7%) eyes, high IOP was detected on the first day. In 114 (45.8%) of these eyes, TOP was reduced by anterior chamber decompression while in 73 (29.3%) eyes glaucoma medication was prescribed. At first month 13 (1.6%) eyes had high IOP. Conclusion: Although, a rise in IOP remains a problem in the postoperative first day; both anterior chamber decompression and glaucoma medication seem to be effective and safe to overcome this condition. In short term, uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation results in a decrease in IOP.