Cataract, phacoemulsification and intraocular pressure: Is the anterior segment anatomy the missing piece of the puzzle?. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Masis Solano, Marisse; Lin, Shan C.
• Is Part Of: Progress in retinal and eye research. Volume 64(2018:May)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Phacoemulsification -- Anterior segment anatomy -- Intraocular pressure -- Glaucoma; Retina -- Periodicals; Retina -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Eye -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases -- Periodicals; Retina -- Periodicals; Rétine -- Périodiques; Rétine -- Recherche -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2018.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-9462

Abstract

Abstract: Cataract extraction is a safe and effective surgery that has a lowering effect on the intraocular pressure. The specific mechanisms for this effect are still unclear. A direct inflammatory effect on the trabecular meshwork, alteration of the blood aqueous barrier, changes in the ciliary body and mechanical changes of the anterior segment anatomy are the key to understand cataract surgery and it's effects on aqueous humor dynamics. Additionally, with the advent of AS OCT, changes in the anterior segment of the eye have been studied and several parameters (such as lens vault, angle opening distance and anterior chamber depth) have been identified as predictors of intraocular pressure change. In eyes with narrow angles there is a greater drop in intraocular pressure after cataract surgery and it is correlated with parameters related to anterior chamber space. It is safe to affirm that cataract surgery is an important part of the modern glaucoma treatment and evidence should be analyzed as part of a bigger picture in order to more accurately understand its clinical relevance. Highlights: Phacoemulsification has molecular, mechanical and physiological effects on the eye. Even within the open angle eyes, the anterior segment anatomy can still have effects on the aqueous humor dynamics. Phacoemulsification is an indispensable surgery for glaucoma treatment. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography is a key technology for glaucoma evaluation.