Effect of lens extraction on primary angle closure in a Thai population.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with acute or chronic angle closure glaucoma in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control and vision improvement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 58 eyes from 46 patients with angle closure received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The patients were followed-up for a minimum period of 6 months. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.5 years. Two eyes were acute angle closure and 56 eyes were chronic angle closure glaucoma. Peripheral anterior synechiae were present in 88% of the patients. The mean pre-operative IOP was 23.3 +/- 10 mm Hg and the mean post-operative IOP was 14.8 +/- 6. 5 mm Hg (p < 0.05). The mean visual acuity was improved from 0.92 logMar to 0.53 logMar (p < 0.01). The extent of peripheral anterior synechia was decreased from 2.3 quadrants to 2.0 quadrants (p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation can lower the intraocular pressure, remove pupillary block, increase angle width, relieve peripheral anterior synechiae, decrease antiglaucoma medications and improve visual acuities in patients with angle closure glaucoma and cataracts.