Effect of anterior chamber paracentesis on initial treatment of acute angle closure

To compare anterior chamber paracentesis (ACP) with standard medical management of acute primary angle closure (APAC).

Prospective study.

Patients with APAC and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 50 mm Hg were enrolled.

Patients were randomized to receive ACP and medical treatment (group 1) or medical management alone (group 2).

There were 26 patients (mean age 69.3 ± 10.4 years, 31 eyes) in group 1 and 28 patients (mean age 67.0 ± 9.7 years, 30 eyes) in group 2. The IOP in group 1 was significantly lower at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 1 hour after treatment (p < 0.05). At 1, 2, and 24 hours after treatment, visual acuity was significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. At each time point after treatment, the grade of corneal edema was not different between the groups. Pain score at 1 and 2 hours after treatment was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2; however, no difference was noted at 24 hours after treatment. The mean follow-up period in group 1 was 16.1 ± 1.3 months and in group 2 was 15.6 ± 1.4 months (p = 0.803). At last follow-up, IOP, pupil size, number of eyes with nonreactive pupils, and centre endothelial cell counts were not different; however, visual acuity was significantly better in group 1 (0.43 ± 0.06 logMAR vs 0.74 ± 0.10 logMAR, p = 0.007).

Immediate ACP is a safe and effective for rapidly lowering IOP, and is associated with better visual acuity than medical treatment alone.