Intraocular pressure changes and the implications on patient review after phacoemulsification.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) change postoperatively and its bearing on the timing of postoperative review.


METHODS
Ophthalmology department of a district general hospital, Northamptonshire, England.


METHODS
One hundred eyes of 100 consecutive patients having uneventful phacoemulsification were included in this study. The IOP was measured preoperatively and 2 hours, 1 day, and 1 week postoperatively. The IOP readings were statistically analyzed using the Fisher exact probability test.


RESULTS
From 1 week before surgery, there was a mean rise in IOP of 8.14 mm Hg 2 hours after surgery followed by a mean fall of 5.18 mm Hg at 24 hours (next-day review). The mean fall in IOP at 1 week was 2.94 mm Hg. Ten percent of patients had an IOP greater than or equal to 35 mm Hg 2 hours postoperatively and required oral IOP-lowering agents. All patients had an IOP lower than 35 mm Hg at the next-day review. At 1 day, 18.6% of patients had a higher IOP than at 2 hours; however, the mean IOP was 21.39 mm Hg.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show it is safe to review patients 2 hours after uneventful phacoemulsification and omit the next-day review. This enhances patient acceptance of true day-case cataract surgery as it eliminates the need for an inpatient stay and transport on the following day. It also improves utilization of hospital resources. A larger study will help confirm the conclusions of this study.
Thirumalai
Balaji
B
Department of Ophthalmology, Kettering General Hospital, England, Northamptonshire, UK. balandy@tesco.net
Baranyovits
Peter R
PR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D010808:Physical Examination; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013997:Time Factors
D012826:Silicone Elastomers