Visual Outcomes Following Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery for Phacomorphic Glaucoma

Aims: To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control, visual prognosis and complications following manual small incision cataract surgery among eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma. Material and Methods: This prospective, non-randomized interventional consecutive case series included 10 eyes of 10 patients with phacomorphic glaucoma who presented to Kasr El-Aini Hospital between March 2010 and April 2011. All patients underwent slit-lamp bio-microscopy, applanation tonometry and gonioscopy of the other eye to rule out angle closure. Small incision cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation was performed in all affected eyes. Complete ophthalmic examination was done at each follow-up visit. Results: A total of 10 eyes with phacomorphic glaucoma were included in this study. The preoperative mean IOP was 38.2± 12.3mmHg and mean IOP at last follow-up was 14.7 ± 2.4mmHg. There was a statistically significant difference between IOP at presentation and IOP at last follow-up ( p< 0.001). No significant intraoperative complications were noted. The final postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all patients. Conclusion: Manual small incision cataract surgery is safe and effective in controlling IOP and achieving good functional visual acuity with minimal complications in the management of phacomorphic glaucoma in developing countries.