Changes in intraocular pressure after cataract surgery: analysis of the Swedish National Cataract Register Data.

PURPOSE

To analyze changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery based on data from the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR).

SETTING

Ophthalmic surgery units in Sweden.

DESIGN

Prospective database study.

METHODS

Data for 2012 through 2014 were obtained prospectively from the NCR. The outcome register of the NCR has collected data on IOP before and a mean of 37.7 days ± 29.1 (SD) after cataract surgery since 2012.

RESULTS

The analyses were based on 20 437 cataract extractions reported during 1 month each year to the outcome registry of the NCR. Cataract surgery was found to reduce IOP by a mean of 1.46 mm Hg, which was statistically significant (P < .001). A larger IOP reduction was seen in cases with a higher preoperative IOP (r = 0.557, P < .001). Older patients and shorter eyes had a greater IOP reduction after surgery (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Women had a greater IOP reduction than men (P = .04) When high IOP was given as an indication for surgery, the IOP reduction after cataract surgery was 5.50 mm Hg compared with a reduction of 1.40 mm Hg in patients for whom this indication was not given (P < .001). Patients with glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation (PXF) had a more pronounced IOP reduction than patients without these diagnoses (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Cataract surgery had an IOP-lowering effect, in particular in older patients, women, short eyes, eyes with high preoperative IOP, and eyes with glaucoma or PXF.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.