Intraocular pressure changes and the implications on patient review after phacoemulsification

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Patient Management

Background:

• Phacoemulsification is a common cataract surgery technique.
• Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is crucial for detecting complications.
• Current practice often involves next-day reviews, impacting patient convenience and resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) changes following uneventful phacoemulsification.
• To assess the safety and feasibility of adjusting the timing of postoperative reviews based on IOP trends.

Main Methods:

• 100 consecutive patients undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification were enrolled.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively, and at 2 hours, 1 day, and 1 week postoperatively.
• Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact probability test.

Main Results:

• A mean IOP rise of 8.14 mm Hg was observed 2 hours post-surgery, followed by a mean fall of 5.18 mm Hg at 24 hours.
• Ten percent of patients experienced IOP ≥ 35 mm Hg at 2 hours, requiring intervention; all normalized by the next day.
• Mean IOP at 1 week showed a 2.94 mm Hg fall from baseline.

Conclusions:

• Reviewing patients 2 hours post-uneventful phacoemulsification is safe, and the next-day review can be omitted.
• This approach supports true day-case cataract surgery, improving patient experience and hospital resource efficiency.
• Larger studies are recommended to further validate these findings.