Abstract
Purpose :
It is known that cataract extraction can lower average intraocular pressure (IOP). Whether the decrease in IOP is related to preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) remains controversial. We performed a retrospective chart review to study the relationship between preoperative ACD and change in IOP following cataract extraction.
Methods :
A retrospective chart review was conducted, which included the charts of patients who underwent cataract extraction performed by a single surgeon at a large ophthalmology practice over the last two years (2014-2015). Data recorded included preoperative ACD as measured by an IOLMaster, average preoperative IOP and average postoperative IOP measured once all peri-operative topical medication had been stopped. Patients with glaucoma, those on chronic steroid therapy and those with a change in topical IOP medications during the study period were excluded. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the data.
Results :
354 charts were reviewed, 186 (n=186) of which met the study criteria. The average ACD was 3.19mm. The average preoperative IOP and postoperative IOP were 14.53 and 11.93 mmHg respectively with the average change in IOP measuring -2.61 mmHg. Change in IOP was not statistically significantly related to preoperative ACD (p= 0.292, 95% CI [-0.4667, 1.5441], r2= 0.0061).
Conclusions :
This study supports the finding that average IOP decreases following cataract extraction. The amount of decrease, however, is unrelated to preoperative ACD as measured by an IOLMaster. While cataract extraction can aid in IOP control, factors other than ACD should be used to predict the extent of IOP reduction that will result from the procedure.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.