This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of rapid primary phacoemulsification in patients with acute primary angle closure (APAC) (n = 41), with or without preoperative IOP-lowering medication. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of corneal endothelial cells (CECs), and number of IOP-lowering medications at the preoperative examination (Pre), postoperative day 1 (1d), week 1 (1w), and month 1 (1m) were used as indicators and compared. BCVA significantly improved at 1d, 1w, and 1m compared with Pre (p < 0.05) and significantly improved at 1m compared to 1d (p < 0.05) for all eyes. IOP significantly decreased at 1d, 1w, and 1m compared with Pre (p < 0.05). CECs were not significantly different between Pre and 1m; the number of IOP-lowering medications decreased significantly from Pre to 1m (p < 0.05). BCVA and IOP were not significantly different between the two groups for all periods. CECs were not significantly different between the two groups at Pre and 1m. Rapid primary phacoemulsification improved visual acuity due to improvement of corneal edema without central visual field defects and good IOP control without reoperation or IOP-lowering medication and maintained the number of corneal endothelial cells with or without preoperative IOP-lowering medication in patients with APAC.
Keywords: acute primary angle closure; best-corrected visual acuity; intraocular pressure; phacoemulsification.