Effect of Cataract Extraction on Intraocular Pressure in Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma

To evaluate the effect of phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

Twenty-two patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (CACG) and visually significant cataract were included in our study. All were underwent phacoemulsification and PCIOL implantation. IOP, depth of angle, visual acuity, and the number of antiglaucoma medications were recorded preoperatively and one day, one week, one month, two months, and six months postoperatively.

The mean age was 71.04±6.55 years and there were 8 males (36.4%) and 14 females (63.6%). The mean IOP was 19.54±1.49 mm Hg preoperatively and 16.04±1.49 mm Hg six months postoperatively. The mean number of antiglaucoma medications was 2 preoperatively and 0.18±0.50 at final follow-up. The mean preoperative LogMAR visual acuity was 1.00 and 0.3 at final follow-up (P <0.005).

When chronic angle-closure glaucoma is associated with visually significant cataract, phacoemulsification and PCIOL implantation alone can significantly reduce intraocular pressure.