[Intraocular pressure in early postoperative period after cataract phacoemulsification].

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) change after phacoemulsification and its bearing on timing of postoperative review.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

31 eyes of 31 consecutive patients having uneventful phacoemulsification were included in this study. The IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry preoperatively and 1-3 hours, 1 day and 1 week postoperatively. The relationship between these measurements' readings were examined.

RESULTS

31 patients completed the study. The IOP checked next day was significantly correlated with the IOP preoperatively.

CONCLUSION

After phacoemulsification with OIL implantation the decrease in IOP was observed in first three postoperative hours in comparison with preoperative values and it was followed by an increase on the first postoperative day. It decreased again after a week reaching values lower than preoperatively. Only in few cases (10%) a transient intraocular hypertension (23-26 mmHg) appeared on the first postoperative day.