[Postoperative course of intraocular pressure after uncomplicated cataract operation with and without acetazolamide]

We prospectively analyzed the course of intraocular pressure (IOP) within the first 20 h after uncomplicated phacoemulsification with lens-implantation in the capsule sac with and without acetazolamide. Sixty patients were divided into two groups with 30 patients each, group 1 [mean age 72.3 years, (49-88 years); preoperative IOP 14.2 +/- 2.41 mmHg (10-18 mmHg)] did not receive systemic IOP-lowering medication; group 2 [mean age 72.4 years, (53-88 years); preoperative IOP 14.7 +/- 2.98 mmHg, (9-20 mmHg)] received .250 mg acetazolamide intravenously immediately after surgery. The IOP was measured 6 and 20 h postoperatively with an applanation tonometer. In group 1 the IOP was 17.9 +/- 5.50 mmHg (7-28 mmHg) after 6 h, in group 2 16.6 +/- 5.51 mmHg (9-32 mmHg). In group 1, 8 patients (26.6%) had an IOP of more than 21 after 6 h and in group 2, 6 patients (20%). Statistically, there was no significant difference between groups after 6 h (P > 0.05). After 20 h the IOP was 15.9 +/- 4.50 mmHg (7-28 mmHg) in group 1 and 13.5 +/- 4.46 mmHg (7-26 mmHg) in group 2. Additionally, the two groups tended to be equal with 2 patients each with an IOP of more than 21 mmHg. After 20 h, there was a significant reduction in the IOP each group. Intravenous acetazolamide (250 mg) did not have a clinical relevant influence on IOP after uncomplicated phacoemulsification.