Effect of surgical technique on the increase in intraocular pressure after cataract extraction
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Updated: Nov 4, 2026

Trabeculotome Tunneling Trabeculoplasty (3T): A Step-by-Step Surgical Protocol for Primary Open-angle Glaucoma
Published on: May 29, 2026
W D Lagreze1, T G Bomer, J Funk
1University Eye Hospital, Freiburg, Germany.
Background And Objective:
A prospective study was performed to determine the influence of surgical technique on the increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery.
Patients And Methods:
Three groups of 30 patients each underwent either extracapsular cataract extraction with sclerocorneal suture (ECCE), phacoemulsification with sclerocorneal suture (PS), or phacoemulsification with a sutureless scleral tunnel (PT).
Results:
Each group experienced a significant increase in IOP 5 to 7 hours after surgery: 20.2 +/- 7.9 mm Hg for ECCE, 11.2 +/- 8.3 mm Hg for PS, and 4.7 +/- 8.7 mm Hg for PT. The differences in the increases among the three groups were significant.
Conclusion:
PT [corrected] produces the lowest postoperative increase in IOP and should be considered for patients with glaucomatous damage.
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