Effects of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation on intraocular pressure in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients.

Objective: To investigate the effect of cataract surgery by phacoemulsification on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) patients.

Methods: Sixty PACG patients who underwent phacoemulsification between January 2004 and May 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and post-operative visual acuity, IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications were recorded. Lens thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD) of pre-operative were also recorded. Patients who had previous intraocular surgeries or complicated cataract surgeries were excluded.

Results: Visual acuity logMAR improved significantly (0.17, p < 0.01). Mean IOP after cataract surgery decreased significantly (4.50 mmHg, p < 0.01). There was no significant relationship between the decrease in IOP and lens thickness or ACD. Twenty percent of PACG patients were free of antiglaucoma medication after cataract surgery.

Conclusions: Phacoemulsification not only improves the visual acuity in PACG patients but also reduces IOP and number of anti-glaucoma medications required significantly. The change in IOP does not significantly correlate with lens thickness or ACD.