[Influence of postoperative topical application of miotics after cataract extraction on intraocular pressure and the blood-aqueous barrier].

Background: In the present study we evaluated the influence of topical miotics on intraocular pressure and the blood-aqueous barrier after uncomplicated phacoemulsification and PC-IOL implantation.

Patients And Methods: Fifty-two eyes were randomized into 2 groups: with miotics (n = 28) and without miotics (n = 24). The IOP was measured before, 6 h, 1 and 2 days after surgery. Measurement of aqueous flare was performed before and on days 1 and 2 after surgery. Patients with glaucoma, PEX or previous intraocular surgery were excluded.

Results: In the group without miotics the IOP was 17.9 mm Hg (+/- 3.34) 6 h postoperatively; in the second group it was 15.5 mm Hg (+/- 3.25); P = 0.04. On the first postoperative day the IOP measured in the group without miotics was 15.3 mm Hg (+/- 2.70) and with miotics 13.0 mm Hg (+/- 2. 28); P = 0.007. On the second day in the group without miotics the IOP was 13.9 mm Hg (+/- 3.05) and with miotics 12.60 mm Hg (+/- 2. 19); P = 0.53. The changes in aqueous flare on the first and second day after surgery showed no significant influence of miotics on the blood-aqueous barrier (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Immediate postoperative application of topical miotics led to a small yet significant reduction of the IOP during the first 24 h after surgery. Our data suggest that there is no need for pharmacological reduction of the IOP after uncomplicated cataract surgery.