Effect of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure control in glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) control in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). SETTING: Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. METHODS: This study included 74 eyes with ACG and 68 eyes with OAG having cataract surgery. The IOP was measured and the number of glaucoma medications recorded preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, and then every 3 months. The IOP control in the 2 groups was compared using survival analysis, with failure criteria being an IOP greater than 21 mm Hg, addition of medications, or the need for additional glaucoma surgery. RESULTS: The mean IOP and number of medications decreased significantly after surgery in both groups (P <.0001). However, the mean decrease in IOP and percentage of IOP reduction in the ACG group were greater than in the OAG group, and fewer medications were required in the ACG group. The cumulative survival probability of IOP control at 24 months was 91.9% in the ACG group and 72.1% in the OAG group. The survival curve in the ACG group was significantly better than in the OAG group (P =.0012). The IOP was controlled without medication in 30 eyes (40.5%) in the ACG group and 13 (19.1%) in the OAG group; the difference between groups was significant (P =.0055). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery substantially reduced IOP and the number of medications required for IOP control in glaucomatous eyes. Specifically, cataract extraction normalized the IOP in most eyes with ACG.     

Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in eyes with open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: To study the effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PHACO IOL) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medication in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes. METHODS: 38 open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with cataract underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PHACO IOL) performed by one surgeon (RJU). None of the patients had prior intraocular surgery. Surgery was performed by scleral incision on 37% and by clear corneal incision on 63%. Patients were re-examined on the first postoperative day, after one week, 4 months, and in 29 cases 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years after the operation. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP was 18.4+/-3.3 mmHg with a mean of 1.7 glaucoma medications. On the first postoperative day, the mean IOP rose to 28.2 +/- 12.5 mmHg. IOP > or = 30 mmHg occurred in 39.5% of the eyes. After one week, IOP had returned to the preoperative level. After 4 months, IOP had further decreased to 16.1 +/- 3.8 mmHg (p = 0.0027). After a mean follow-up of 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years, the average postoperative IOP was 15.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg, being significantly (p = 0.001) lower than the preoperative IOP with 86% of the patients having a mean of 1.6 drugs on average. The type of incision (scleral vs. corneal) did not affect the postoperative IOP level. Using the criteria of Bigger and Becker (1971) the long-term IOP control after PHACO-IOL surgery was improved or unchanged in 86% and worse in 14% of the preoperatively well-controlled OAG eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In OAG eyes PHACO IOL is associated with a significant decrease in IOP with less medication up to 1-3.7 (mean 2.8) years.     

Effect of bimatoprost on intraocular pressure after cataract surgery

Background: An increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) frequently occurs after otherwise uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% drops given preoperatively in preventing IOP rise following phacoemulsification cataract surgery.Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study, 91 eyes of 85 patients scheduled to have clear corneal phacoemulsification cataract surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups. One hour before surgery, 1 group (48 eyes) received 1 drop of bimatoprost 0.03%, and the other group (43 eyes) received 1 drop of a balanced saline solution (placebo). A masked observer measured IOP preoperatively, and 3 and 24 hours postoperatively. Anterior chamber cellular reaction was measured on the first day after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) was assessed.Results: The mean IOP changes from baseline were not statistically different between the 2 groups at 3 hours (p = 0.618). At 24 hours, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean IOP changes of the groups (p = 0.001). The incidence of IOP elevation greater than 5 or 10 mm Hg at 24 hours was significantly higher in the control group (9 of 43 eyes) than the bimatoprost group (3 of 48 eyes) (p = 0.039). Anterior chamber reaction was not increased by bimatoprost. Mean CCT change was not different between the groups at 24 hours (p = 0.615).Interpretation: When compared with placebo, prophylactic use of 1 drop of bimatoprost before phacoemulsification cataract surgery failed to produce a significantly different effect on IOP levels from placebo at 3 hours postoperatively, but it caused a significant IOP reduction at 24 hours.     

抗青光眼药物对粘弹剂辅助白内障超声乳化手术后眼压的作用

目的:探讨抗青光眼药物在防治粘弹剂辅助白内障超声乳化手术后早期眼压升高中的作用。方法:150例150眼白内障患者行玻璃酸钠辅助超声乳化术,术程顺利无并发症。按术后抗青光眼药物将患者随机分为5组:10g/L派立明组,2g/L阿法根组,口服醋氮酰胺250mg组,5g/L噻马心安组及未用药组(空白对照组)。术前、术后6,12,24h及1wk测量眼压。结果:术前各组间眼压均值无明显差别。术后6,12h及24h用药组眼压较对照组低(P<0.01),术后6h各组眼压均升高,以对照组显著。各组术后12h眼压达峰值。此时眼压>21mmHg所占比例,抗青光眼药物组各组间比较无差异,对照组明显高于其它组。术后24h用药组眼压均降低,对照组仍保持高值。术后1wk,各组间无明显差异。结论:抗青光眼药物对玻璃酸钠辅助超声乳化手术后引起的眼压增高均有降低作用。     

Evaluation of anterior segment parameter changes after uneventful phacoemulsification in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

目的:运用Pentacam Schiempflug成像系统研究假性剥脱综合征(PES)患者白内障超声乳化术后眼前节形态变化.方法:前瞻性研究.共收集31例(42眼)白内障合并PES患者接受白内障摘除术,选27例(42眼)无PES的白内障患者作为对照组.Pentacam检测术前和术后1~3mo的眼内压(IOP),前房深度(ACD),前房容量(ACV),前房角宽度(ACA)和瞳孔直径(PD).t检验检测术前和术后的变量.结果:PES组术前平均IOP明显高于对照组(P=0.017).两组在术前和术后的ACD,ACV,ACA,IOP值差异在1~3mo均有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组相比,PES组的IOP下降更为显著;两组ACD,ACV和ACA的增量相似.PES组术前PD值明显高于术后(P<0.05).两组IOP,ACD,ACV,ACA和PD的变化在术后3mo均趋于稳定.结论:白内障超声乳化术均可显著降低患眼的IOP,增加ACD,ACV和ACA的值,无论患眼是否患有PES.ACD,ACV,ACA,PD和IOP的变化在术后3mo趋于稳定.尽管PES组IOP下降更为明显,但无论白内障眼是否患有PES,术后均表现出相似的眼前节特征.PES患者早期接受白内障摘除术不仅能加深前房,且可使IOP稳定在正常范围.     

Filtering bleb function after clear cornea phacoemulsification: a prospective study

AIM: To evaluate the influence of clear cornea phacoemulsification on filtering bleb morphology, function, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous eyes with previously successful filtering surgery. METHODS: The clinical course of 30 patients (30 eyes) who underwent clear cornea phacoemulsification after successful filtering glaucoma surgery was prospectively evaluated. Mean IOP and filtering bleb morphology (standardised assessment criteria and score 0-12, 12 = optimum) were determined before surgery, and 3 days, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. The control group consisted of 36 patients with glaucoma after clear cornea phacoemulsification without previous filtering surgery. RESULTS: Mean IOP increased after phacoemulsification by about 2 mm Hg (preoperatively 14.28 (SD 3.71) mm Hg, 12 months postoperatively 16.33 (3.31) mm Hg, p = 0.006). 15 patients (50%) showed an IOP increase of >2 mm Hg, 11 patients (36.7%) had no IOP difference (within 2 mm Hg), and in four patients (13.3%) IOP decreased >2 mm Hg. Mean score of filtering bleb morphology 1 year after surgery decreased from 9.5 to 9.0 (p = 0.154). In three of 30 preoperatively IOP regulated eyes the postoperative IOP was 21 mm Hg. The control group showed an average IOP decrease of 2.01 mm Hg (p = 0.014) 12 months after cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: An increase in IOP was found 1 year after phacoemulsification in half of the filtered glaucomatous eyes. IOP in glaucomatous eyes without previous filtering surgery decreased in the same period. Cataract extraction using clear cornea phacoemulsification may be associated with a partial loss of the previously functioning filter and with an impairment of filtering bleb morphology.     

Effect of 1% brinzolamide and 0.5% timolol fixed combination on intraocular pressure after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification

AIM: To evaluate the effect of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination on intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery.METHODS:The study included 92 eyes of 87 patients who underwent cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. Patients scheduled for phacoemulsification were assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The treatment group received 1 drop of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination immediately after surgery, and the control group received no treatment. The IOP was measured preoperatively and at 2h and 24h postoperatively.RESULTS: The mean IOP change was lower in the treatment group than in the control group at 2h postoperatively. The difference between the mean IOP values of the two groups at 2h postoperatively was found to be statistically significant. Twenty-four hours after the surgery, the mean IOP change was still higher in the control group when compared to the treatment group.CONCLUSION: The fixed combination brinzolamide-timolol can effectively reduce IOP after cataract surgery.     

Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal (canaloplasty) with temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification cataract surgery for open-angle glaucoma and visually significant cataract: one-year results

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of the inner wall of Schlemm canal, a new nonpenetrating surgical procedure (canaloplasty) to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG), combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Multicenter surgical sites. METHODS: This international multicenter prospective study comprised adult patients with OAG having combined glaucoma and cataract surgery. Patients with qualifying treated preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of at least 21 mm Hg or higher and open angles were eligible. Evaluation was performed at baseline and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Intraoperative and postoperative high-resolution ultrasound imaging was used to assess Schlemm canal and anterior segment angle morphology, including distension of the trabecular meshwork due to the tensioning suture. RESULTS: Data from 54 eyes that had combined glaucoma and cataract surgery performed by 11 surgeons at 9 study sites were analyzed for this interim analysis. The mean baseline IOP was 24.4 mm Hg+/-6.1 (SD) with a mean of 1.5+/-1.0 medications per eye. In all eyes, the mean postoperative IOP was 13.6+/-3.8 mm Hg at 1 month, 14.2+/-3.6 mm Hg at 3 months, 13.0+/-2.9 mm Hg at 6 months, and 13.7+/-4.4 mm Hg at 12 months. Medication use dropped to a mean of 0.2+/-0.4 per patient at 12 months. Surgical complications were reported in 5 eyes (9.3%) and included hyphema (n=3, 5.6%), Descemet tear (n=1, 1.9%), and iris prolapse (n=1, 1.9%). Transient IOP elevation of more than 30 mm Hg was observed in 4 eyes (7.3%) 1 day postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Circumferential viscodilation and tensioning of Schlemm canal combined with clear corneal phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation was a safe and effective procedure to reduce IOP in adult patients with OAG.     

Intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in nonglaucomatous eyes with and without exfoliation

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in nonglaucomatous eyes with and without exfoliation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. METHODS: One hundred ninety-six eyes that had phacoemulsification with IOL implantation were examined. Eyes with a history of intraocular disease or surgery that could affect IOP were excluded. The study comprised the remaining 160 eyes: 23 with exfoliation (EXF group) and 137 without exfoliation (non-EXF group). Follow-up data were available for 136 eyes. The same surgeon performed all surgeries. Patients were examined on the first postoperative day and after 1 week, 4 months, and 1.0 to 2.7 years. RESULTS: One day postoperatively, IOP rose in the EXF group from a mean preoperative level of 16.3 mm Hg +/- 2.7 (SD) to 21.0 +/- 8.5 mm Hg, a 28.4% increase (P =.0061). In the non-EXF group, mean IOP rose from 16.2 +/- 3.4 mm Hg to 20.5 +/- 5.7 mm Hg, a 29.9% increase (P =.001). In 4 eyes (17.4%) in the EXF group and 8 eyes (5.8%) in the non-EXF group, IOP increased to 30 mm Hg or higher at 1 day. After this, significant IOP decreases occurred in both the EXF and non-EXF group, respectively, as follows: 14.2 +/- 3.0 mm Hg (12.0% decrease from preoperative value; P =.001) and 15.0 +/- 2.9 mm Hg (5.9%; P =.001) 1 week postoperatively; 12.8 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (20.2%; P =.0002) and 13.8 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (13.2%; P =.001) after 4 months; and 12.3 +/- 2.6 mm Hg (23.2%; P =.0001) and 12.7 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (21.2%; P =.001) after 1.0 to 2.7 years. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: After phacoemulsification with IOL implantation, IOP decreased significantly and remained lower than preoperatively in eyes with and without exfoliation. One day postoperatively, transient pressure peaks were more common in eyes with exfoliation. One eye without exfoliation developed glaucoma.     

Evaluation of intraocular pressure in the immediate period after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of hypotony or intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes in the early period after clear corneal phacoemulsification in normal and glaucomatous eyes. SETTING: Ambulatory surgical center. METHODS: This retrospective analysis comprised 112 eyes that had clear corneal phacoemulsification. Postoperative IOP measurements were collected 30 minutes, 1 day, and 1 month after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes had an IOP of 5 mm Hg or below 30 minutes postoperatively. The IOP at 30 minutes was lower than at 1 day in both the normal and the glaucoma group. The mean IOP in the normal group was 10.0 mm Hg +/- 4.3 (SD) at 30 minutes and 16.9 +/- 4.4 mm Hg at 1 day (P < or = .005). The means in the glaucoma group were 9.6 +/- 3.9 mm Hg and 16.9 +/- 5.7 mm Hg, respectively (P < or = .0002). The IOPs at 30 minutes and 1 day were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of eyes having clear corneal phacoemulsification had an IOP of 5 mm Hg or less 30 minutes after surgery. Even though there were no postoperative complications from hypotony and there was a relative absence of significant IOP elevation 1 day postoperatively, the frequency of low IOP at 30 minutes suggests that consideration be given to leaving postoperative eyes with a higher IOP at the completion of phacoemulsification rather than with the estimated 10 mm Hg tactile IOP strived for in this study.     

Intraocular pressure changes and the implications on patient review after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To determine the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) change postoperatively and its bearing on the timing of postoperative review. SETTING: Ophthalmology department of a district general hospital, Northamptonshire, England. METHODS: One hundred eyes of 100 consecutive patients having uneventful phacoemulsification were included in this study. The IOP was measured preoperatively and 2 hours, 1 day, and 1 week postoperatively. The IOP readings were statistically analyzed using the Fisher exact probability test. RESULTS: From 1 week before surgery, there was a mean rise in IOP of 8.14 mm Hg 2 hours after surgery followed by a mean fall of 5.18 mm Hg at 24 hours (next-day review). The mean fall in IOP at 1 week was 2.94 mm Hg. Ten percent of patients had an IOP greater than or equal to 35 mm Hg 2 hours postoperatively and required oral IOP-lowering agents. All patients had an IOP lower than 35 mm Hg at the next-day review. At 1 day, 18.6% of patients had a higher IOP than at 2 hours; however, the mean IOP was 21.39 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: The results show it is safe to review patients 2 hours after uneventful phacoemulsification and omit the next-day review. This enhances patient acceptance of true day-case cataract surgery as it eliminates the need for an inpatient stay and transport on the following day. It also improves utilization of hospital resources. A larger study will help confirm the conclusions of this study.     

Preoperative latanoprost to prevent ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of latanoprost given 2 hours preoperatively to prevent ocular hypertension in the early period after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. SETTING: Departments of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: Sixty-four eyes of 64 patients with uncomplicated cataract having phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation were included in this prospective randomized double-masked clinical trial. The eyes were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: application of latanoprost 0.005% 2 hours before surgery or no latanoprost (control). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured 3 and 24 hours postoperatively. The anterior chamber was examined for the level of cells and flare using a slitlamp biomicroscope. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: The decrease in the mean IOP was not statistically significantly different between eyes receiving latanoprost 2 hours preoperatively and control eyes 3 hours (P =.843) and 24 hours (P =.721) postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A single application of latanoprost given 2 hours before phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation did not produce a statistically significant IOP-lowering effect when compared with a control group in the first 24 hours after surgery.     

Evaluation of intraocular pressure in the immediate postoperative period after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of hypotony and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in the immediate and early postoperative period after temporal posterior limbal phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Ambulatory surgical center. METHODS: This prospective analysis comprised 310 eyes that had temporal posterior limbal phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. Surgical parameters included keratome incision of 2.85 mm, incision length of 2.5 mm, peribulbar anesthesia, case-completion IOP of 20 mm Hg, and postoperative lid taping. The IOP measurements were collected preoperatively and 30 minutes and 1 day after surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen eyes (6.1%) had an IOP lower than 5 mm Hg 30 minutes postoperatively in the absence of incision leakage at the paracentesis or keratome sites. Eighteen of the 19 eyes with postoperative hypotony received hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2% (OcuCoat) and 1 received hypromellose 2% (Cellugel). None of the 23 eyes with an acrylic IOL implanted via a cylindrical lens inserter had an IOP lower than 5 mm Hg postoperatively. Suturing did not significantly affect the incidence of hypotony, and there were no postoperative complications related to hypotony. The mean IOP at 30 minutes was lower than at 1 day in the normal, glaucoma, and glaucoma-suspect groups. Twenty-one normal eyes (8.1%), 5 glaucoma eyes (15.6%), and 1 glaucoma-suspect eye (5%) had an IOP greater than 30 mm Hg 1 day postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative hypotony (IOP <5 mm Hg) occurred in 19 (6.1%) of 310 eyes. At 1 day, IOP higher than 30 mm Hg was more frequent in glaucoma eyes than in normal eyes. Although there were no direct problems related to hypotony at 30 minutes or to elevated IOP (>30 mm Hg) at 1 day, surgeons should be aware of and check for IOP variability (low and high) that can occur in normal, glaucoma, and glaucoma-suspect eyes within the first 24 hours after surgery.     

Medical control of intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of oral acetazolamide, topical brinzolamide 1%, and no ocular hypotensive medication after phacoemulsification. SETTING: Adnan Menderes University Department of Ophthalmology, Aydin, Turkey. METHODS: This prospective randomized double-blind study comprised 60 eyes of 52 patients having phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia. There were no intraoperative complications. Eyes were randomized to receive oral acetazolamide 500 mg 1 hour preoperatively followed by 250 mg acetazolamide every 6 hours, 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% every 12 hours starting immediately after speculum removal, or no ocular hypotensive medication. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a Perkins tonometer preoperatively and 4 to 6 hours and 18 to 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The preoperative IOP was not significantly different between the 3 groups. Four to 6 hours postoperatively, the acetazolamide group (P=.002) and brinzolamide group (P=.001) had significantly lower IOP than the control group. The same trend was observed at 18 to 24 hours in the brinzolamide group (P=.001) but not the acetazolamide group (P=.018). The IOP levels were not significantly different between the acetazolamide group and brinzolamide group at any postoperative time point. No eye receiving medication and 2 eyes (10%) in the control group had an IOP of 30 mm Hg or higher 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. Compared with preoperatively, an IOP increase of more than 5 mm Hg was seen at 4 to 6 hours in 3 eyes (15%), 2 eyes (10%), and 14 eyes (70%) in the acetazolamide, brinzolamide, and control group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brinzolamide was as effective as acetazolamide in preventing IOP elevation 4 to 6 hours after phacoemulsification and more effective than acetazolamide at 18 to 24 hours.     

Results of phacoemulsification in eyes with preexisting glaucoma filters

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and glaucoma medication requirements in patients having phacoemulsification after preexisting glaucoma filters. SETTING: Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 58 eyes that had temporal phacoemulsification via a clear corneal (32 eyes) or a scleral tunnel (26 eyes) approach after filtration surgery was performed with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Two-tailed homoscedastic t tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP in all eyes was 11.8 mm Hg +/- 4.2 (SD), and the mean final postoperative IOP was 13.7 +/- 4.6 mm Hg (P<.022). The mean preoperative logMAR equivalent BCVA was 0.8 +/- 0.4, which improved to a mean of 0.4 +/- 0.4 postoperatively (P<.0000002). There was no statistically significant change in glaucoma medication requirements postoperatively. The differences in IOP, BCVA, and postoperative glaucoma medication requirements were not statistically significant between the clear corneal group and the scleral tunnel group or between patients who received mitomycin at the time of filtration surgery and those who did not. There were no intraoperative complications; 1 patient required additional glaucoma surgery. CONCLUSION: Clear corneal or scleral tunnel phacoemulsification in the setting of a preexisting glaucoma filter was associated with improved BCVA, a small but statistically significant increase in IOP, and stability in the number of glaucoma medicines required for IOP control over a minimum follow-up of 1 year.     

Intraocular pressure rise after small incision cataract surgery: a randomised intraindividual comparison of two dispersive viscoelastic agents

AIM: To evaluate the effects of the dispersive viscoelastic agents Ocucoat (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2%) and Viscoat (sodium chondroitin sulphate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3%) on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after bilateral small incision cataract surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomised study comprised 80 eyes of 40 consecutive patients with age related cataract in both eyes scheduled for bilateral small incision cataract surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to receive Ocucoat or Viscoat during cataract surgery of the first eye. The second eye was operated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Cataract surgery was performed with a temporal 3.2 mm sutureless posterior limbal incision, phacoemulsification, and implantation of a foldable silicone intraocular lens. The IOP was measured preoperatively as well as 6 hours, 20-24 hours, and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 hours after surgery the mean IOP increased by 4.6 (SD 5.1) mm Hg in the Ocucoat group (p<0.001) and by 8.6 (8.1) mm Hg in the Viscoat group (p<0.001). The increase was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Ocucoat group (p=0.004). Intraocular pressure spikes of 30 mm Hg or more occurred in two eyes in the Ocucoat and in nine eyes in the Viscoat group (p=0.023); 20-24 hours and 1 week postoperatively the mean IOP was not statistically different. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Viscoat causes a significantly higher IOP increase and significantly more IOP spikes than Ocucoat in the early period after small incision cataract surgery.     

Effect of topical brimonidine on intraocular pressure after small incision cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of brimonidine 0.2% on intraocular pressure (IOP) after small incision cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized study comprised 80 eyes of 40 patients scheduled for small incision cataract surgery in both eyes. In each patient, 1 eye was randomly assigned to receive 1 drop of brimonidine 0.2% or no treatment (control) immediately after surgery. The fellow eye received the other assigned treatment. All patients had standardized surgery by the same surgeon with sodium hyaluronate 1%, a temporal 3.5 mm sutureless posterior limbal incision, phacoemulsification, and implantation of a foldable intraocular lens. The IOP was measured preoperatively as well as 6 and 20 to 24 hours and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: Six hours after surgery, the mean increase in IOP was 4.7 mm Hg +/- 6.1 (SD) in the brimonidine group and 4.6 +/- 5.3 mm Hg in the control group. In each group, 17 eyes (43%) had an IOP increase of 5 mm Hg or more. Twenty to 24 hours after surgery, the mean increase in IOP was 1.5 +/- 4.2 mm Hg in the brimonidine group and 1.6 +/- 4.4 mm Hg in the control group. There were no statistically significant between-group differences at any measurement. CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, IOP significantly increased 6 hours and 20 to 24 hours after small incision cataract surgery. Brimonidine 0.2% failed to reduce the IOP increase observed after small incision cataract surgery.     

Effect of bimatoprost on intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification in eyes with exfoliation syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bimatoprost 0.03% on intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification in eyes with exfoliation syndrome. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, masked study comprised 90 eyes of 90 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification. The patients were divided into three groups (group 1 = without exfoliation, group 2 = with exfoliation syndrome, group 3 = exfoliation syndrome + bimatoprost). Immediately after phacoemulsification, one drop of bimatoprost was instilled in eyes in group 3. Baseline IOP was measured 1 day before surgery and routine follow-ups were performed at 6 hours, 20-24 hours and 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative IOP was 15.0 +/- 2.7 mmHg in group 1, 15.6 +/- 3.2 mmHg in group 2 and 16.1 +/- 3.2 mmHg in group 3 (p = 0.372). Six hours postoperatively, there was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.013): IOP in group 2 (22.4 +/- 7.3 mmHg) was higher than in group 1 (18.4 +/- 4.4 mmHg) (p = 0.018) and group 3 (18.9 +/- 4.9 mmHg) (p = 0.044). In all groups, IOP values at 6 hours postoperatively were higher than preoperative values (p < 0.001), but IOP values at 20-24 hours and 1 week after surgery were not significantly different from baseline values (p > 0.05). The change in IOP in group 2, from baseline to 6 hours postoperatively, was greater than the equivalent changes in group 1 (p = 0.048) and group 3 (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Transient IOP increase and spikes were more common in eyes with exfoliation syndrome. Postoperative application of bimatoprost was effective in reducing IOP and preventing IOP spikes >/= 30 mmHg in eyes with exfoliation syndrome in the early postoperative period.     

Angle parameter changes of phacoemulsification and combined phacotrabeculectomy for acute primary angle closure

AIM: To evaluate the difference in angle parameters and clinical outcome following phacoemulsification and combined phacotrabeculectomy in patients with acute primary angle closure (APAC) using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).METHODS: Patients (n=23, 31 eyes) were randomized to receive phacoemulsification or combined phacotrabeculectomy (n=24, 31 eyes). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), the main complications following surgery, and indentation gonioscopy and angle parameters measured using UBM were documented preoperatively and postoperatively.RESULTS:The improvement in BCVA in the phacoemulsification group was significantly greater than in the combined group (P<0.05). IOP in the phacoemulsification group was slightly higher than in the combined group following 1wk of follow-up (P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups at the latter follow-up (P>0.05). Phacoemulsification alone resulted in a slight increase in the trabecular ciliary processes distance compared with the combined surgery (P<0.05), whereas the other angle parameters showed no significant difference between the groups. Complications in combined group were greater than phacoemulsification only group.CONCLUSION:Both surgeries effectively opened the drainage angle and deepened the anterior chamber, and IOP was well controlled postoperatively. However, phacoemulsification showed better efficacy in improving visual function and showed reduced complications following surgery.     

Increased intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cell loss following phacoemulsification surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the influence of low-molecular-weight viscoelastics on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine eyes undergoing phacoemulsification surgery were randomized to have either Opegan (Santen Pharmaceuticals, Osaka, Japan) alone or the soft-shell technique using Viscoat (Alcon Surgical, Fort Worth, TX) during phacoemulsification. The IOP was measured preoperatively and at 5 and 24 hours postoperatively. Intraoperative factors and corneal endothelial cell loss were also examined. RESULTS: Mean IOP was increased at 5 hours after surgery but returned to preoperative levels at 24 hours in the Opegan group, whereas it remained higher at 24 hours than at preoperative levels in the soft-shell group. When comparing groups, IOP at 5 and 24 hours postoperatively in the Opegan group was significantly less than that in the soft-shell group. Corneal endothelial cell loss was approximately the same in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The increase in IOP following phacoemulsification surgery with the use of Opegan was less than that with the soft-shell technique using Viscoat, although endothelial injury was almost the same.