Cataract extraction slowed the visual field progression rate in patients with angle-closure glaucoma

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of progression of Humphrey visual field before and after the cataract surgery in patients with angle-closure glaucoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with angle-closure glaucoma who underwent regular visual field (VF) examination and received cataract surgery during the follow-up periods were retrospectively reviewed. The visual field rate of progression, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medication before and after cataract surgery were compared. RESULTS: A total of 26 eyes were included. The mean follow-up duration before and after the cataract surgery were 5.14 ± 3.31 years and 5.97 ± 2.35 years. After cataract surgery, the IOP and VA improved significantly. The visual field rate of progression significantly slowed down after cataract surgery from − 1.39 ± 1.31 dB/year preoperatively to − 0.34 ± 0.64 dB/year postoperatively (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The ACG eyes had rapid VF decline before cataract extraction, which was slowed down significantly after cataract removal.