Development of Postoperative Ocular Hypertension After Phacoemulsification for Removal of Cataracts in Dogs

Abstract

This study monitored intraocular pressure (IOP) in 31 dogs (48 eyes)after cataract surgery in 2021. Postoperative ocular hypertension (POH), defined asan IOP >= 25 mmHg, was observed to be higher within the first 3 h compared to laterweeks. The study suggests that POH within 3 h post-surgery may indicate secondaryglaucoma, highlighting the need for timely treatment. A cataract is a disease in which the lens of the eye becomes clouded, causing a partial or complete loss of vision. Phacoemulsification (PHACO) is a modern surgical technique used in cataract surgery. Study findings: This study observed changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after surgery in 31 dogs (48 eyes) with cataracts that visited a veterinary hospital. The procedure involved a lens extraction by PHACO and the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) was defined as a postoperative IOP of 25 mmHg or higher. To assess changes in IOP, IOP measurements were performed at 1, 2, 3, and 20 h, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. The IOP was found to be significantly higher at 1 (p < 0.05), 2 (p < 0.01), and 3 (p < 0.01) hours postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The IOP measurements were compared by dividing them into three groups according to the observation period. The IOP values were measured for three groups: before cataract surgery (Group A: 13.10 +/- 8.29 mmHg), 1 to 3 h after cataract surgery (Group B: 17.84 +/- 5.33 mmHg), and 20 h to 8 weeks after surgery (Group C: 13.71 +/- 4.78 mmHg). The IOP values from 1 to 3 h after surgery (Group B) were significantly higher compared to both Group A (p < 0.01) and Group C (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is suggested that POH occurring within 0 to 3 h after cataract surgery should be diagnosed as secondary glaucoma, and treatment should be performed accordingly.