Effect of Lens Extraction on Primary Angle Closure in a Thai Population
Pongsak Pachimkul MD*, Yanapha Intajak MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok
Objective : To determine the effect of phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with acute or chronic angle closure
glaucoma in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control and vision improvement.
Material and Method: A total of 58 eyes from 46 patients with angle closure received phacoemulsification
and intraocular lens implantation. The patients were followed-up for a minimum period of 6 months.
Results : The mean age was 68.5 years. Two eyes were acute angle closure and 56 eyes were chronic angle
closure glaucoma. Peripheral anterior synechiae were present in 88% of the patients. The mean pre-operative
IOP was 23.3 + 10mm Hg and the mean post-operative IOP was 14.8 + 6.5mmHg (p < 0.05). The mean visual
acuity was improved from 0.92 logMar to 0.53 logMar (p < 0.01). The extent of peripheral anterior synechia
was decreased from 2.3 quadrants to 2.0 quadrants (p = 0.076).
Conclusion : Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation can lower the intraocular pressure,
remove pupillary block, increase angle width, relieve peripheral anterior synechiae, decrease antiglaucoma
medications and improve visual acuities in patients with angle closure glaucoma and cataracts.
Keywords : Phacoemulsification, Intraocular lens, Primary angle closure glaucoma, Peripheral anterior synechiae
