Intraocular Pressure after Uneventful Phacoemulsification in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

After uneventful phacoemulsification, the alteration pattern of IOP in the early post-operative hours shows a gradual rise, reaching a maximum level of four to six hours post-surgery, which is followed by normalization of pressure, 24 hours after the procedure. 14However, there is variation in the magnitude of postoperative IOP reduction among the patients.As per the literature review, there is a correlation between shallower anterior chamber depth, preoperative higher IOP, and the short axial length with a higher IntroductIonCataract remains one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, particularly among older adults, with its prevalence expected to rise alongside global aging populations. 1 Phacoemulsification has become the standard surgical technique for cataract extraction due to its safety, efficacy, and rapid visual rehabilitation.Beyond visual improvement, cataract surgery has been shown to influence intraocular pressure (IOP). 2,3Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated a reduction in IOP following uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. [4][5]5][6][7] Although the precise mechanisms mediating this IOP-lowering effect remain under investigation, increased aqueous humor outflow via the trabecular meshwork is widely regarded as a principal contributing factor. [8][9]][10][11] Diabetes mellitus is known to induce microvascular and metabolic alterations in ocular tissues, including changes in the trabecular meshwork and anterior chamber structures, which can affect aqueous humor dynamics and baseline IOP. 12,13These diabetes-related ocular modifications may influence the IOP response following phacoemulsification cataract surgery.