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Published on: July 7, 2023
Effect of phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure
Ahmad Zeeshan Jamil1, Kashif Iqbal, Fawad Ur Rahman
1Department of Ophthalmology, Layton Rehmatulla Benevolent Trust, Eye and Cancer Hospital, A-1 Township, Lahore. ahmadzeeshandr@yahoo.com
Phacoemulsification surgery effectively lowers intraocular pressure in both normal and glaucomatous eyes. This procedure also significantly reduces the need for glaucoma medications, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Cataract surgery is a common procedure with potential impacts on intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Understanding the effect of phacoemulsification on IOP is crucial for managing patients with or without glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure in patients with normal and glaucomatous eyes.
- To assess changes in visual acuity and the requirement for anti-glaucoma medications post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental study involving adult patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts.
- Exclusion criteria included corneal pathology, significant synechial angle closure, inflammatory eye disease, prior ocular surgery, and low endothelial cell density.
- Outcomes measured included IOP, angle width, visual acuity, and the number of anti-glaucoma medications, with a one-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Phacoemulsification led to a significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure from 25.70±7.79 mmHg pre-operatively to 17.44±2.8 mmHg post-operatively (p < 0.001).
- The mean number of anti-glaucoma agents decreased from 1.12±1.30 to 0.62±0.92.
- Mean visual acuity improved from 0.4±0.19 to 0.86±0.15.
Conclusions:
- Phacoemulsification effectively reduces intraocular pressure in both normal and glaucomatous eyes.
- The procedure significantly decreases the reliance on anti-glaucoma medications, offering a beneficial therapeutic effect.
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