The Effect of Phacoemulsification with Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation on Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Chamber Depth

Purpose: To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) change after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 84 patients with senile cataract were included. All patients had normal IOP. Patients with traumatic and complicated cataract, any history of uveitis, glaucoma, or other ocular disease or surgery were excluded. Patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation by the same surgeon. IOP, ACD, and lens thickness were measured and recorded before surgery. IOP was measured at 4, 8 and 12 postoperative weeks and ACD was measured 12 weeks after surgery. Results: The mean preoperative ACD significantly increased from 2.93 mm to 3.54 mm postoperatively (p<0.0001). Mean preoperative IOP was 16.06 mmHg which decreased to 12.01 IOP mmHg, 12.57 mmHg and 12.90 mmHg at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks postoperatively, respectively (all p-values<0.0001). There was a correlation between lens thickness and changes of and ACD after the surgery. There was also a positive correlation between preoperative IOP and IOP reduction after the surgery. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification decreases IOP specially in eyes with higher preoperative IOP and thicker lenses.