Success of combined cataract extraction plus excimer laser trabeculotomy exceeds that of combined ab interno trabeculectomy with the trabectome or cataract extraction alone

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: Latest Developments and Future Challenges

The development of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGSs) was intended to provide safe and modestly efficacious modalities for early intervention of mild-to-moderate glaucoma, with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. They were mainly ab interno procedures that reduce intraocular pressure by facilitating the aqueous outflow by bypassing the trabecular meshwork resistance, reinforcing the uveoscleral flow via the supraciliary space, and reducing aqueous production by the ciliary body. While the cumulating evidence helps shape the role of the available MIGS, the exponential new development and advancement in this field has expanded the territory of MIGS. Apart from developing subconjunctival MIGS filtration devices (Xen gel stent and PRESERFLO MicroShunt), there is a tendency to revisit the "traditional" MIGS for alternative use and to modify the procedures with consideration of the fundamental aqueous outflow physiology. Combined MIGS has also been suggested, based on the theory that their different mechanisms may provide additive or synergistic effects. The advancement of laser procedures is also promising and could supplement unmet needs along the glaucoma treatment algorithm. This review examines the broad array of MIGS, updates the recent findings, discusses their potential alternative applications, and explores future challenges.

Real life experience following combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification in eyes with ocular hypertension or mild glaucoma and cataract

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification and excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) in eyes with cataract and mild controlled glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT).

METHODS

Single-centre analysis of eyes that underwent phacoemulsification and ELT between 2017 and 2021. Change in intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication requirements, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), complications and re-interventions were evaluated. Success was defined as a reduction ≥20% from preoperative IOP, an IOP ≤ 14 mmHg or a reduction in glaucoma medication requirements with an IOP equal or lower than the preoperative IOP.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 658 ± 64 days. Mean preoperative IOP was 17.76 ± 4.88 mmHg, it decreased to 15.35 ± 3.10 mmHg at 1 year (n = 37) (p = 0.006) and to 14.00 ± 3.78 at 3 years (n = 8) (p = 0.074). Mean number of glaucoma medication requirements decreased from 2.02 ± 1.0 preoperatively to 1.02 ± 0.96 at 1 year (n = 37) (p < 0.001) and to 1.63 ± 0.92 at 3 years (n = 8) (p = 0.197). Complete success was achieved in 17.7% of eyes and qualified success in 54.8%. Two eyes of 2 patients had early postoperative hyphema. Two eyes of 1 patient underwent filtering surgery 2 months after the procedure, and 2 eyes of 1 patient underwent laser trabeculoplasty 3.8 years after the procedure due to uncontrolled IOP.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacoemulsification and ELT is effective and safe in eyes with mild glaucoma or OHT and cataract. It significantly reduced IOP and glaucoma medication requirements 1 year after surgery.

Advances in Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy within the Landscape of Minimally-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is currently treated with a variety of surgical and non-surgical approaches. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) involves several devices and procedures that lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing aqueous outflow. The first laser-based MIGS procedure, Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy (ELT), has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option. This article reviews ELT within the context of alternative MIGS procedures and focuses on the historical development of ELT, principles and techniques of the ELT procedure, safety and efficacy data, comparison to other outflow procedures, and future augmentations to expand the use of ELT. Performed alone or as an adjunct to cataract surgery, ELT has minimal complications and has shown long-term effectiveness in lowering intraocular pressure in thousands of patients. The non-thermal laser-tissue interactions of excimer lasers minimize peripheral tissue damage and ensure outflow channel patency without requiring foreign body implants or creating blebs. The development of 2D optical and 3D optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance systems will eliminate the need for a goniolens to visualize angle structures and enable thousands more surgeons to perform ELT in the future.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty following failed combined phacoemulsification cataract extraction and excimer laser trabeculotomy can control intraocular pressure for a limited time

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) following failed phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with excimer laser trabeculotomy (phaco-ELT).

METHODS

Retrospectively, the medical records of patients with primary or secondary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who underwent SLT between January 2001 and February 2015 by one surgeon at a single center after a failed phaco-ELT were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were: angle-closure glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy due to disease other than glaucoma, and additional glaucoma procedures between phaco-ELT and SLT. The main outcome measures were time to failure and Kaplan-Meier survival. Complete success was defined as a reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) of  > 3 mmHg and  > 20% compared to baseline, and the number of AGM ≤ baseline.

RESULTS

A total of 23 eyes of 21 subjects were included. Baseline IOP was 19.7 (range, 19.1-22.7) mmHg, and the number of AGM at baseline was 2.5 (range, 1.9-2.9). Median time to failure after SLT was 7.2 (range, 6.6-7.8) months. The number of antiglaucoma medications did not change during that time.

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes in which the IOP is no longer controlled following phaco-ELT, SLT could be an option to slow disease progression or prolong time until incisional filtration surgery. However, time to failure after SLT is limited. Thus, close follow-up visits are necessary in order to not delay an incisional surgery.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Glaucoma and Glaucoma Surgery and the Utility of Management with Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

The corneal endothelium has a crucial role in maintaining a clear and healthy cornea. Corneal endothelial cell loss occurs naturally with age; however, a diagnosis of glaucoma and surgical intervention for glaucoma can exacerbate a decline in cell number and impairment in morphology. In glaucoma, the mechanisms for this are not well understood and this accelerated cell loss can result in corneal decompensation. Given the high prevalence of glaucoma worldwide, this review aims to explore the abnormalities observed in the corneal endothelium in differing glaucoma phenotypes and glaucoma therapies (medical or surgical including with new generation microinvasive glaucoma surgeries). Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is increasingly being used to manage corneal endothelial failure for glaucoma patients and we aim to review the recent literature evaluating the use of this technique in this clinical scenario.

Long-term treatment success and safety of combined phacoemulsification plus excimer laser trabeculostomy: an 8-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

Combined phacoemulsification plus excimer laser trabeculostomy (phaco-ELT) is a minimally invasive surgery that effectively reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma and a concomitant diagnosis of cataract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term treatment success as well as safety of phaco-ELT over an 8-year follow-up period.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of primary or secondary glaucoma or ocular hypertension and a visually significant cataract who underwent a combined phaco-ELT between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010, were included. Data for IOP, the number of IOP-lowering medications (meds), best-corrected visual acuity, complications, and subsequent surgeries to lower IOP were collected preoperatively (baseline) and intraoperatively as well as at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, and every 6 months thereafter to 8 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one eyes of 128 patients were included. After 8 years of follow-up, the long-term treatment success rate with IOP ≤ 21 mmHg was 50.2%. No serious intra- or postoperative complications occurred. The mean IOP decreased significantly from 19.3 (±4.8) mmHg at baseline to 15.4 (±3.2, p =0.0040) mmHg at 8 years. Additionally, meds remained below baseline after 8 years of follow-up and were reduced significantly for up to 4 years. Only 25.5% of the eyes required a subsequent surgery to lower IOP during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Combined phaco-ELT is a safe procedure without serious intra- or postoperative complications, which has a positive long-term effect regarding IOP and meds. Remarkably, the mean IOP-lowering effect remained stable and was reduced ≥ 20% from baseline after 3 months for the remainder of the follow-up duration, whereas the number of meds was reduced significantly for up to 4 years. Furthermore, only 25.5% of the eyes required a subsequent surgery to control IOP throughout the whole follow-up of 8 years.

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: One year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9±2.6mmHg (±standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3±1.9; p<0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7±0.7 to 0.3±0.8 (p<0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months.

CONCLUSION

Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

8-year follow-up of Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy Alone and Combined With Phacoemulsification in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To describe the 8-year results of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) alone and ELT in conjunction with phacoemulsification (phaco).

SETTING

University Hospital.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

308 nm excimer laser energy delivered via an intraocular fiberoptic probe created channels through the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Two groups were studied: ELT Alone and ELT + Phaco. Patients were adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension on one or more intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications and, in the Phaco + ELT group, visually significant cataract. Primary outcome measures: Change of IOP from baseline and number of IOP lowering medications.

RESULTS

164 eyes in two groups, ELT Alone (n=90) and ELT + Phaco (n=74) were followed for 8 years. Baseline IOP in the ELT Alone group was 22.17 ± 7.0 mmHg and in the ELT+ Phaco group 21.9±6.44 mmHg. IOP in ELT Alone decreased to 16.84±5.2 mmHg at 1 year (n=69) and remained at 15.9±3.5 (n=19) at 8 years. IOP in ELT+ Phaco was 14.04±4.1 mmHg at 1 year (n=63) and 13.7±2.8 mmHg at 8 years (n=13). IOP lowering medications at baseline in ELT alone were 1.85±0.8 and decreased to 1.19±1.10 at 1 year and 1.4±1.4 at 8 years. In ELT + Phaco at baseline 1.58±0.8 and decreased to 0.97 ± 0.95 at 1 year and 1.85±0.7 at 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

ELT demonstrates long-term IOP lowering and decrease in IOP lowering medications. Benefits of this laser based implant-free MIGS procedure include a high safety profile and long-term efficacy.

Combined excimer laser trabeculostomy and phacoemulsification: one year follow-up real world data of a laser-based MIGS

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and complication profile of excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT), an emerging laser-based trabecular minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), combined with cataract surgery in routine clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single-site, retrospective, interventional study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data of patients with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent combined phacoemulsification and ELT were collected and analyzed at preoperative day, one week postoperatively, and after one, two, three, six, nine and 12 months. Main outcome measure was intraocular pressure (IOP). Qualified and complete success were defined as an IOP less than 21 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 20% from preoperative medicated IOP with or without adjuvant medical treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eyes of 29 patients were included; 29 eyes completed 1-year follow-up. The mean preoperative IOP under medications was 20.9 ± 2.6 mmHg (± standard deviation, SD) and decreased significantly at one year (16.3 ± 1.9; p < 0.0001). The mean number of IOP-lowering medications decreased from 1.7 ± 0.7 to 0.3 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001) at the 12-month follow-up. At one year, 81% of eyes were medication free. Qualified and complete success was obtained in 62% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Two eyes had postoperative hyphema, three eyes had transient IOP spikes and one patient underwent a subsequent filtering surgery at three months.

CONCLUSION

Combining ELT with phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and mild to moderate OAG significantly reduced IOP and medication use without meaningful complications after one-year follow-up in a real world clinical practice setting.

Current review of Excimer laser Trabeculostomy

Background

Excimer laser trabeculostomy (ELT) is a microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that creates multiple laser channels through the trabecular meshwork using a cold laser system, which minimizes tissue fibrosis and aids in bypassing the main area of resistance to aqueous outflow. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current body of evidence surrounding ELT in terms of efficacy and review the safety profile of the procedure.

Main text

Studies screened had to show clear inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as well-defined outcome measures. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Database were searched. Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines were used to assess for study quality and for any bias. Sixty-four articles were initially identified with 18 meeting preliminary screening criteria. Ultimately, 8 studies met inclusion criteria and 2 additional non-referenced publications were also included: 1 randomized control trial, 4 prospective case series and 5 retrospective studies. Overall studies showed moderate intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering of between 20% and 40% from baseline without medication washout and mostly a decrease in glaucoma medications with few complications.

Conclusion

Current literature shows a significant IOP-lowering effect of ELT with a favorable safety-profile in standalone cases or combined with cataract surgery. Limitations to these studies are the lack of controls and washout IOP. Overall, ELT is an attractive MIGS option that does not require any residual device remaining in the angle.