Intraocular Pressure Changes after Vitrectomy with and without Combined Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To determine sequential intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without combined phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PE & IOL). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent PPV with PE & IOL (combined group) or without PE & IOL (vitrectomy group) were reviewed for postoperative sequential IOPs and the number of IOP lowering medications used. Of the 68 patients (68 eyes) who underwent simple PPV, 41 eyes were allocated to the vitrectomy group, and 27 eyes to the combined group. RESULTS: The mean IOPs were higher on postoperative days one and two, as compared to preoperative values, in both groups. The mean IOP changes on postoperative day one (10.0 mmHg vs. 5.3 mmHg, p = 0.02) and day two (3.7 mmHg vs. 1.3 mmHg, p = 0.02) were significantly higher in the combined group. CONCLUSIONS: Phacovitrectomy is associated with a higher risk of IOP elevation during the early postoperative period than PPV alone. Caution should be exercised in patients who are vulnerable to IOP fluctuations when combined surgery is indicated.