The Change of Intraocular Pressure after Phacoemulsification in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose : We evaluated the change of the intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in patients with cataract and open angle glaucoma. Methods : We divided the patients into two groups; group 1 (non trabeculectomygroup: IOP was well controlled medically, and had not undergone trabeculectomy) and group 2 (trabeculectomy group: trabeculectomy was performed). Phacoemulsification was performed in both groups, and preoperative and postoperative IOP was compared. Results : IOP decreased after phacoemulsification in both groups. Early transient postoperative IOP elevation was observed in 3 patients of group 1, but postoperative IOP was lower than preoperative IOP throughout the follow up period, and there was no difference between the two groups. The average number of antiglaucomatous agent decreased to 0.29 postoperatively from 1.23 preoperatively and there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusions : IOP reduction was observed in open angle glaucoma patients combined with cataract after phacoemulsification, even in the patients who had undergone trabeculectomy previously (group 2). The difference between preoperative and postoperative IOP was larger in group 1, and mean postoperative IOP was lower in group 2.