Changes in Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Chamber Depth after Phacoemulsification in Non-Glaucomatous Patients

Aims: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) after uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Study Design: Prospective interventional comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Assuit University Hospital, Assuit, Egypt between September 2016 and October 2017.

Methodology: 100 Patients with visually significant cataract (39 males (39%) and 61 females (61%). All patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. Intraocular pressure and ACD were measured preoperatively by using Goldmann applanation tonometer and Ultrasonography respectively, and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: The postoperative ACD was higher than the preoperative value by 0.26± 0.06 mm at 1 week, 0.45±0.06 mm at 1 month, and 0.59±0.08 mm at 3 months postoperatively (P=.000). P < 0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. The IOP at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively was lower than the preoperative value by 1.03±0.3 mmHg, 1.52±0.46 mmHg, and 2.14±0.62 mmHg, respectively (P=.001).

Conclusion: This study revealed that there was a decrease in IOP and increase in ACD after cataract extraction by phacoemulsification. Patients with ocular hypertension, open-angle glaucoma, and narrow-angle glaucoma may benefit from cataract extraction.