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BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to examine several potential risk factors for intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes 2 to 3 hours after phacoemulsification. METHODS: 50 eyes of 50 consecutive patients undergoing uncomplicated phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia were included in this prospective study. The following variables were recorded: preoperative IOP, nuclear colour, cortical lens opacity, posterior subcapsular lens opacity, patient age; and presence or absence of preexisting glaucoma. RESULTS: The mean IOP at each time interval was as follows: preoperatively, 14.5 (SD 3.4) mmHg; 2-3 hours postoperatively, 23.1 (7.0) mmHg; and 24 hours postoperatively, 17.0 (6.0) mmHg. The postoperative IOP was significantly higher than baseline at 2-3 hours (p < 0.001) and at 24 hours (p = 0.002). Overall there were 10 cases (20%) of IOP spikes 2-3 hours postoperatively. Higher mean baseline IOP was significantly associated with postoperative IOP spikes (p = 0.013). Patient age, sex, operating surgeon, absolute phacoemulsification time, lens nuclear colour, cortical opacity, and posterior opacity were not significantly different between groups with or without an IOP spike (p > 0.05). INTERPRETATION: Patients with high IOP at the preoperative assessment are more likely to have IOP spikes after surgery and should be scheduled at the start of the operating list. In a day-case setting with restricted opening hours, postoperative checks in those patients at risk of IOP spikes can then coincide with the time IOP reaches its peak.
9.4.11.2 Glaucomas in aphakia and pseudophakia (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders > 9.4.11 Glaucomas following intraocular surgery)