The effect of prophylactic acetazolamide on the intraocular pressure rise associated with Healon-aided intraocular lens surgery.

Sixteen consecutive patients undergoing primary posterior chamber lens insertion with Healon were followed closely for any postoperative rise in intraocular pressure. Patients were divided into an experimental group (who received acetazolamide) and a control group (no acetazolamide). Careful attention was given to the same operative technique and the amount of Healon left in the eye. The treated group showed a mean intraocular pressure of 14.7 mm Hg, whereas the pressure in the control group was 22.6 mm Hg on the first postoperative day. These findings support the rationale for the use of prophylactic acetazolamide as an adjunct to Healon-aided cataract surgery.