Cataract surgery in patients with acute primary angle-closure glaucoma

We investigated the results of cataract surgery in acute angle-closure glaucoma patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was not controlled with conventional treatment. We compared postoperative IOP and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with preoperative data in 10 eyes of 10 patients who had undergone cataract surgery for acute angle-closure glaucoma. Initial and preoperative mean IOP were 50.0 +/- 6.4 mmHg and 34.9 +/- 9.3 mmHg, respectively. Mean follow-up was 6.3 +/- 5.9 months. Postoperative mean IOP was 12.0 +/- 4.2 mmHg. All eyes were controlled at less than 21 mmHg and seven of them (70%) were controlled at less than 21 mmHg without medication. Postoperative BCVA was improved in 9 eyes. The complications were transient IOP elevation in 2 eyes and exudative membrane in 4. Cataract surgery may be effective to control IOP and improve visual acuity in patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma. However, follow up is necessary because of a high incidence of postoperative complications.