Retrospective Analysis Of Intraocular Pressure Changes After Cataract Surgery In Non-Glaucomatous Eyes Subjects

Cataract surgery is one of the most performed ophthalmic procedures and has been associated with changes in intraocular pressure (IOP). While its effect on IOP in glaucomatous eyes has been well-documented, the postoperative IOP dynamics in non-glaucomatous eyes remain an area of clinical interest. This study aims to evaluate the postoperative IOP changes in non-glaucomatous patients following cataract surgery.

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hadassah Medical Center and included 36 non-glaucomatous patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2010 and 2020. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and at various postoperative intervals, including one day (1D), three months (3M), and one year (1Y). Patients with pre-existing glaucoma, surgical complications, or systemic conditions known to influence IOP were excluded from the study.

 This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hadassah Medical Center and included 36 non-glaucomatous patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2010 and 2020. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and at various postoperative intervals, including one day (1D), three months (3M), and one year (1Y). Patients with pre-existing glaucoma, surgical complications, or systemic conditions known to influence IOP were excluded from the study.

 36 non-glaucomatous patients were included. Preoperative IOP was 16.33 ± 4.80 mmHg. At 1D, IOP transiently increased to 17.86 ± 4.49 mmHg (p=0.18), then decreased to 13.34 ± 3.38 mmHg at 3M (p<0.05) and remained stable at 13.56 ± 3.13 mmHg at 1Y (p<0.05). IOP reduction occurred in 83% (3M) and 86% (1Y) of patients. Higher preoperative IOP (>20 mmHg) correlated with greater reductions (6.2 mmHg at 3M, 7.8 mmHg at 1Y; R² = 0.5767 at 1Y), while lower preoperative IOP (<15 mmHg) showed smaller decreases (2.2 mmHg at 3M, 2.9 mmHg at 1Y).

Cataract extraction in non-glaucomatous individuals results in a significant and sustained decrease in intraocular pressure, particularly in patients with higher preoperative IOP values. These findings highlight the potential benefits of cataract surgery in reducing IOP in non-glaucomatous eyes, with implications for clinical management and patient outcomes.