The Influence of Phacoemulsification on Water-Drinking Test

Abstract

Purpose:: To evaluate the effect of cataract surgery performed by phacoemulsification on water-drinking test (WDT) results of non glaucomatous eyes. This test has been used to assess intra ocular pressure(IOP) peaks and fluctuations.

Methods:: Prospective and consecutive study of 25 patients submitted to cataract surgery by phacoemulsification. Intraocular pressure was evaluated by WDT before and after 3 months of surgery and compared with fellow unnoperated non glaucomatous eyes. Eyes with intraoperative and post operative complications such as vitreal loss and persistent corneal edema after surgery were excluded.

Results:: Baseline IOP in operated eyes was 14.12 +/- 3.0 mmHg before surgery and 12.6 +/- 2.53 mmHg after surgery (p<0.0001). In these eyes IOP peak during WDT was 19.24 +/- 4.77 before surgery and 16.2 +/- 3.57 mmHg after surgery (p<0.0001). A significant difference was also observed in IOP fluctuation before and after surgery (5.12 +/-3.16 mmHg and 3.6 +/- 2.04 mmHg, respectively, p=0.0071). No significant difference was observed in baseline IOP measurements obtained in nonoperated eyes before and after surgery (14.2 +/- 2.8 mmHg versus 14.04 +/- 2.60 mmHg, respectively; p=0.58). In these eyes no significant difference was observed in IOP peak measurements obtained before and after surgery (18.68 +/- 3.85 versus 18.36 +/- 3.69 mmHg, respectively; p=0.18). IOP fluctuation before and after surgery was 4.48 +/-2.56 and 4.32 +/- 2.26 mmHg, respectively (p=0.60).

Conclusions:: Baseline IOP, IOP peak and IOP fluctuation obtained from WDT are lower in non glaucomatous eyes after phacoemulsification for at least 3 months.

Clinical Trial:: Brazil

Keywords: intraocular pressure • outflow: trabecular meshwork