Comparison of Intraocular Pressure after Cataract Surgery According to Incisional Techniques

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In the present study we compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery according to incisional techniques. METHODS: Patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were divided into 2 groups: clear corneal incision group (CC group), and scleral tunnel incision group (ST group). All complicated cases were excluded. IOP was measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (100 eyes) were enrolled in the present study; CC group (28 patients, 33 eyes), ST group (49 patients 67 eyes). Preoperative IOPs in both groups were not significantly different (p = 0.908, student's t-test). IOP in the CC group at 1 week after surgery significantly decreased 2.22 +/- 2.57 mm Hg compared to preoperative IOP (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis), and the IOP of the ST group decreased 2.11 +/- 2.50 mm Hg (p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis). The lowered IOP was maintained for 24 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in IOP change after surgery depending on incisional techniques (p = 0.848, repeated measures ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: There may be no difference in IOP lowering effect after surgery depending on incisional techniques.