Objective:

Evaluate the changes undergone by the nerve fiber layer after cataract surgery in patients with primary open angle glaucoma.

Methods:

A pre-experimental study was conducted of two groups of patients, 31 with primary open angle glaucoma (49 eyes) and 29 without glaucoma (50 eyes). The behavior of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was analyzed before and after cataract surgery (phacoemulsification). Visual acuity and intraocular pressure were evaluated during the pre- and postoperative periods.

Results:

Mean age was 71.8 ± 8.0 years in the group without glaucoma and 67.8 ± 8.9 years in the group with primary open angle glaucoma. Median visual acuity without correction rose from 0.20 to 0.90 in the group without glaucoma, and from 0.30 to 0.80 in the group with primary open angle glaucoma, with p< 0.05 in both. Median intraocular pressure fell 1 mmHg in both groups. An increase in fiber layer thickness was observed after surgery in the upper and lower quadrants of both groups, but only in the nasal and temporal quadrants of the group with glaucoma.

Conclusions:

Fiber layer thickness increased after cataract surgery. Opacity hindered signal transmission to the retina.

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