In the present study, the dependence of intraocular pressure (IOP) on body position was compared between pseudophakic and phakic eyes after cataract surgery performed at least 3 months prior.

IOP was measured in 214 patients over 40 years of age who received cataract surgery at least 3 months prior. The present study included 104 patients who did not have any other ocular disease which could influence visual acuity or IOP. The IOP was measured in 4 different positions, sitting, supine, right decubitus, and left decubitus by a single skilled researcher using Icare tonometer. In addition, IOP was compared between the phakic and pseudophakic eyes, specifically, the dependent eye in the decubitus position.

The comparison between the phakic and pseudophakic eyes in patients after cataract surgery in a single eye showed IOP was not different between the sitting and supine positions; however, in the decubitus position, IOP in the dependent eye was significantly higher than the non-dependent eye ( p = 0.001). Additionally, regardless of lens status, IOP was significantly higher in the dependent eye than non-dependent eye.

Both body position and lens status can affect IOP. After cataract surgery, regardless of lens status, IOP was higher in the dependent eye than non-dependent eye of patients in the decubitus position.