Early postoperative intraocular pressure elevation following cataract surgery at a tertiary training hospital

Abstract

Background A common complication following cataract surgery is early intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes. Although it is usually transient, it can result in significant patient discomfort and rarely permanent vision loss. Registrar-performed surgeries are a known risk factor for early IOP spikes. Method The population of this prospective study consisted of all patients who underwent registrar-performed cataract surgery between February 2023 and October 2023 at St John’s Eye Hospital, Soweto, Gauteng. The IOP in the operated eye was measured 3-7 hours after surgery, with an iCare tonometer and the data was reported in a data collection sheet. Results Eighty patients were recruited. The mean age was 68 years old, with the median time between surgery completion and IOP measurement was 3h30. The overall mean IOP was 23mmHg. There was no significant association between any of the study variables and the year of study of the surgeon. Conclusion Early IOP elevation following phacoemulsification is a known and frequent complication. This study found that more than half of the patients who underwent phacoemulsification at a tertiary ophthalmology hospital had an IOP > 20mmHg in the first 3-7 hours following surgery. Trainee surgeons can consider prophylactic IOP lowering treatment, especially in high-risk groups.