Clinical research on early changes of intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation

Objective To analyze the increased intraocular pressure (IOP) on the same day after uneventful phacoemulsification (Phaco) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The effect of carbachol on the IOP was also analyzed. Methods The IOP of 43 age-related cataract patients (eyes) who accepted uneventful cataract Phaco and IOL implantation was observed and analyzed before operation and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Carbachol was used in 15 patients (eyes). Results IOP were higher at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours postoperatively than the preoperative one (P0.01). IOP at 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours after operation were higher than 21 mmHg. IOP 24 hour after operation was in normal range, but was still higher than the preoperative one. Fourty-eight hours after operation the IOP was not significantly different from the preoperative one (P0.05). Conclusions Elevation of IOP occurs on the same day after uneventful Phaco and IOL implantation, with a peak higher than 30 mmHg in some patients. Carbachol is unable to prevent IOP increase, but can decrease the IOP peak.