Cataract surgery and intraocular pressure in glaucoma

Cataract extraction is an effective method to lower IOP in patients with glaucoma. Pressure lowering is more significant in eyes with narrow angles and those with higher baseline IOP levels. In eyes with angle closure, phacoemulsification alone can lower IOP, but when combined with GSL it may be even more effective. Recent large multicenter randomized trials have further elucidated the benefit of standalone cataract extraction to treat mild to moderate primary open angle glaucoma. Prospective and longitudinal studies that systematically investigate the variables that may influence degree and duration of IOP lowering post cataract extraction are lacking.