In the present study we compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery according to incisional techniques.

Patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were divided into 2 groups: clear corneal incision group (CC group), and scleral tunnel incision group (ST group). All complicated cases were excluded. IOP was measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery.

Seventy-seven patients (100 eyes) were enrolled in the present study; CC group (28 patients, 33 eyes), ST group (49 patients 67 eyes). Preoperative IOPs in both groups were not significantly different ( p = 0.908, student's t -test). IOP in the CC group at 1 week after surgery significantly decreased 2.22 ± 2.57 mm Hg compared to preoperative IOP ( p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis), and the IOP of the ST group decreased 2.11 ± 2.50 mm Hg ( p < 0.001, repeated-measures ANOVA with post hoc analysis). The lowered IOP was maintained for 24 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in IOP change after surgery depending on incisional techniques ( p = 0.848, repeated measures ANOVA).

There may be no difference in IOP lowering effect after surgery depending on incisional techniques.