To assess the role of cataract extraction in glaucoma management by its intraocular pressure lowering effect.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo measure the mean change of intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients with cataract after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery with intraocular lens implanted in capsular bag.\n\n\nMETHODS\nThe quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan, from June 11 to December 10, 2018, and comprised patients who had uncomplicated cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant in the capsular bag in glaucomatous eyes of age 30-80 years. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, visual fields, details about topical medication and relevant history were recorded not more than 5 days before cataract extraction. Intraocular pressure was recorded using Goldman s applanation tonometer one day before surgery, and post-surgery 1 month and 3 months. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOf the 40 patients, 19(47.50%) were males and 21(52.50%) were females. The overall mean age was 52.23±9.44 years. Mean pre-operation intraocular pressure was 20.42±1.69mmHg, while at 1 month post-surgery it was 18.55±0.90mmHg and at 3 months it was 17.03±1.19mmHg (p=0.0001).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThere was a significant change in intraocular pressure readings in glaucoma patients with cataract after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery with intraocular lens implanted in capsular bag.