Effect of cataract phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure of patients in the early stages of open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the combination procedure (modified tunnel trabeculopuncture (MTTP) plus phaco with monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation) in the eye with both senile cataract and either advanced or medically uncompensated open-angle glaucoma (OAG) versus phaco with IOL implantation only in the eye with early well-compensated POAG in terms of hypotensive effect and the number of topical glaucoma medications needed. Material and Methods: Totally, 97 patients (194 eyes; age, 60 to 85 years) with bilateral OAG and senile cataract were involved in the study. Groups and time points were compared in terms of IOP and the number of topical glaucoma medications needed. Results: For both groups, there was a significant difference (Р <0.05) between baseline and postoperative IOP values over a 6-month period. The hypotensive effect in group 1 (MTTP plus phaco) was greater than in group 2 (phaco only) (10.8 mmHg versus 4.91 mmHg, respectively). After surgery, the mean number of topical glaucoma medications needed reduced by 2.10 in group 1 and 2.19 in group 2, and these reductions were significant (Р < 0.05). Conclusion: In the early and late postoperative periods, there were reductions in IOP and the number of topical glaucoma medications needed in patients with OAG that underwent phaco with monofocal IOL implantation, which indicates a beneficial effect of phaco on IOP dynamics in patients with glaucoma.

Keywords

• intraocular pressure
• modified tunnel trabeculopuncture
• phacoemulsification
• open-angle glaucoma