Intraocular Pressure following Cataract Surgery using Sutureless Clear Corneal Incision

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of sutureless clear corneal phacoemulsification with foldable posterior intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: We measured the IOP using both a non-contact pneumotonometer and a Goldmann applanation tonometer preoperatively and postoperatively (1, 3, 10, 30, 60 and 90 days). In operation, the incision site was determined depending on the axis of preoperative corneal astigmatism and divided into two groups Temporal (Group 1) and Superior clear corneal incision (Group 2). It is postulated that if there is more damage to the surrounding tissue in superior incision group due to poorer surgical accessibility than temporal group, it may affect on postoperative IOP. RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP of Group 1 (59 eyes) and Group 2 (41 eyes) were 14.6 mmHg and 14.3 mmHg respectively. At postoperative 1 day, the IOP decreased in both groups by 14.2 mmHg and 14.0 mmHg respectively (p>0.05), and at 3 days, 13.1 mmHg and 13.2 mmHg respectively (p<0.05). And from then on, there was no statistically significant change to 3 months. The mean IOP of postoperative 3 months was 12.9 mmHg in both groups; decreased to 1.7 mmHg and 1.4 mmHg respectively compared to preoperative value (p<0.05). In all periods of this study, there was no significant difference between two groups and between two methods of measurement. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in case of uncomplicated senile cataract, sutureless clear corneal phacoemulsification with foldable posterior intraocular lens implantation reduces the IOP in short term follow up period.