Effect of bimatoprost on intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification in eyes with exfoliation syndrome

Early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation following cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review was to assess the risk factors and course of postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) increase in order to determine the optimal the treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Early postoperative IOP elevation following cataract surgery is a frequent adverse event, and might represent 88% early postoperative complications. The risk factors for IOP elevation following phacoemulsification cataract surgery include residual viscoelastic material, resident performed surgery, glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, axial length over 25 mm, tamsulosin intake, topical steroid application in steroid responders. A day-1 postoperative follow-up might be questioned, even in glaucoma patients, as in IOP spikes the topmost IOP elevation occurs 3-4 h postoperatively.

SUMMARY

Several IOP-lowering agents have been evaluated, but none has completely prevented the occurrence of IOP spikes. We recommend applying a combination of dorzolamide/timolol and brinzolamide topically in high-risk patients, particularly with preexisting optic nerve damage. Corticosteroid cessation usually results in a reduction of the IOP to normal levels in steroid responders. Additional studies are required to assess the optimal treatment, especially in glaucoma patients.

Comparison of brimonidine-timolol and dorzolamide-timolol in the management of intraocular pressure increase after phacoemulsification

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of brimonidine/timolol fixed combination (BTFC) and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC) in the management of short-term intraocular pressure (IOP) increase after phacoemulsification surgery.

METHODS

Eighty eyes of 80 patients undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 28 eyes and represented the control group. Group 2 consisted of 25 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification surgery and BTFC was instilled at the end of surgery. Group 3 consisted of 27 eyes undergoing phacoemulsification surgery and DTFC was instilled at the end of surgery. IOP was measured preoperatively and 6, 24h and 1wk postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative baseline IOP among the three groups (P=0.84). However, IOP was significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 compared to the control group (P<0.05 for all comparisons) at all postoperative visits. There was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 at any visit. Eight eyes (28.6%) in the control group, two (8%) in Group 2 and one (3.7%) in Group 3 had IOP >25 mm Hg at 6h after surgery (P=0.008). However, IOP decreased and was >25 mm Hg in only one eye in each group at 24h after surgery.

CONCLUSION

BTFC and DTFC have similar effects in reducing increases in IOP after phacoemulsification surgery and can both be recommended for preventing IOP spikes after such surgery.

Is the 1-day postoperative IOP check needed post uncomplicated phacoemulsification in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension?

PURPOSE

To determine whether the 1-day postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) check following routine uncomplicated phacoemulsification is necessary in patients with pre-existing glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), if acetazolamide prophylaxis is used. To investigate the practice of U.K. glaucoma specialists in IOP rise prophylaxis and follow-up regimes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The IOP 1-day postoperatively was analysed against the last recorded IOP before phacoemulsification in a cohort of patients with glaucoma or OHT who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery between December 2009 and September 2012, where it was routine practice to give acetazolamide postoperatively. U.K. and Eire Glaucoma Society members were surveyed via an online questionnaire to analyse practice among U.K. glaucoma specialists.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven eyes were studied: 99 with glaucoma and 8 with OHT. The mean IOP change was -0.8 mm Hg with only two eyes measuring >30 mm Hg postoperatively (2%). Both these eyes received 750 mg acetazolamide. Eighteen (17%) eyes had an IOP rise of at least 30%. In the survey of practice there were 65 respondents. Twenty-one (32%) respondents did not use IOP prophylaxis. Only 17 (26%) of respondents routinely reviewed their patients 1-day postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Our prophylactic acetazolamide regime does not completely eliminate the risk of an IOP >30 mm Hg on day 1 post routine phacoemulsification in glaucoma/OHT patients. Patients with pre-existing glaucoma, despite acetazolamide prophylaxis, will require IOP management decisions on the first postoperative day after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery. U.K. expert practice is non-uniform with regard to IOP prophylaxis, and the 1-day review, and further discussion and formulation of consensus appears necessary.

Brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination for the prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination in intraocular pressure during the first 24 h after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery using Viscoat and Provisc.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized comparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-two eyes of equal patients scheduled for phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

METHODS

Treatment group (52 eyes) received a drop of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination immediately after surgery. Control group (40 eyes) received no treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure preoperatively and at 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Six hours after surgery the mean intraocular pressure decreased by 0.3 ± 2.95 mmHg (P > 0.05) in the treatment group and increased by 6.8 ± 2.78 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the control group. Twelve hours postoperatively, the mean intraocular pressure increased by 0.23 ± 3.49 mmHg (P > 0.05) in the treatment group and by 5.3 ± 3.26 mmHg (P < 0.001) in the control group. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the mean intraocular pressure decreased by 1.76 ± 2.83 mmHg (P < 0.01) in the treatment group and in the control group increased by 1.4 ± 2.46 mmHg (P > 0.05). The intraocular pressure in the treatment group was statistically significantly lower compared with the control group at 6, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. None of the eyes in the treatment group had postoperative intraocular pressure elevation ≥10 mmHg; such an increase was recorded in 20% and 10% of control eyes at 6 and 12 h after surgery, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A single dose of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination after phacoemulsification cataract surgery prevented a significant intraocular pressure increase during the first 24 h postoperatively.