Intraocular pressure following extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

Knowledge of the incidence of both short- and long-term elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) insertion is essential for the practicing ophthalmologist. We reviewed retrospectively the IOP data in 384 consecutive patients (506 eyes) that underwent the above procedure. A postoperative rise of 8 mm Hg above baseline or above 23 mm Hg was observed in 149 eyes (29%). Secondary glaucoma well controlled medically developed in 21 eyes (4%). Three eyes developed glaucoma after the first year postoperatively. Therefore, over the total follow-up period of 6 years, 24 eyes (4.7%) developed pseudophakic glaucoma. None, however, required laser or other surgical intervention. These results further support the prevailing view that ECCE with PC-IOL is the procedure of choice.