Effect of Cataract Extraction on Visual Field Test in Patients with Glaucoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of cataract extraction on visual field damage in glaucoma patients with cataracts. METHODS: Sixty-two eyes of fifty glaucoma patients (primary open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma) were divided into three groups according to the MD (mean deviation) value from the Humphrey automatic visual field test. The PSD (pattern standard deviation) values were analyzed before and after the cataract surgery. Additionally, the visual acuity, intraocular pressure and the number of antiglaucomatous agents were compared. RESULTS: All of the three groups, showed significant improvement in visual acuity. However, there was only a significant decrease in intraocular pressure at three months postoperatively. When comparing the mean MD values of each group, there was a statistically significant difference between the mild defect group and the severe defect group, but no statistically significant difference in the moderate defect group. There was also no statistically significant difference in PSD values in the any of the groups before and after cataract surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: In glaucoma patients with cataracts, there were no significant differences in PSD values before and after cataract surgery. Additionally, to perform an adequate cataract operation in advanced glaucoma patients without the progression of visual field damage, lowering intraocular pressure and improving visual acuity is helpful.