Incisional surgery for angle closure glaucoma

Anterior Chamber Angle Changes in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma Following Phacoemulsification Versus Phacotrabeculectomy: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

PRCIS

We used anterior segment optical coherence tomography to investigate anterior chamber angle in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes following phacoemulsification and phacotrabeculectomy. Angle widening was significantly greater after phacoemulsification up to 6 months after the surgery.

PURPOSE

To compare anterior chamber angle following 2 common surgeries for PACG.

METHODS

One hundred ten glaucoma patients were evaluated in this single center, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Those with concomitant PACG and senile cataract and without a history of ocular surgery, trauma, or chronic miotic use were recruited. Monocular patients were also excluded. Finally, 52 eligible subjects were randomly assigned to phacoemulsification ("Phaco" group, 25 eyes) or phacotrabeculectomy ("Combined" group, 27 eyes) surgeries. A swept-source, anterior segment optical coherence tomography device (CASIA SS-1000 OCT) was used to image the anterior segment. Mask graders used the images to measure the following parameters before and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery: angle opening distance at 500 µm, trabecular iris surface area at 500 µm, and trabecular iris angle at 500 µm.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between study groups regarding best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of glaucoma medications in preoperative or postoperative visits (P>0.076). Also, the measured angle parameters were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups before surgery (P>0.123). After surgery, all measured parameters were significantly increased in both groups (P<0.0001). At the 6-month follow-up, nasal angle opening distance at 500 µm was 0.383±0.027 vs. 0.349±0.017, trabecular iris surface area at 500 µm was 0.141±0.007 vs. 0.125±0.005, and trabecular iris angle at 500 µm was 40.1±12.9 vs. 34.6±3.1 in Phaco and Combined groups, respectively (P<0.0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior chamber angle widening by anterior segment optical coherence tomography was observed in PACG patients following surgery and was significantly greater after phacoemulsification compared with combined phacotrabeculectomy at all time points. Similar IOP and medication burden were noted for up to 6 months as secondary outcomes. The contribution of angle changes to the IOP-lowering effect of phacoemulsification in PACG eyes needs further study.

Efficacy and Safety of Repeated Micropulse Transscleral Diode Cyclophotocoagulation in Advanced Glaucoma

PRECIS

Repeat micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MPTCP) has some benefit in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). There was a small risk of loss of vision, prolonged hypotony, and phthisis bulbi.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of repeated MPTCP for an Asian population with refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 43 eyes (43 patients) with severe glaucoma which underwent repeated MPTCP. Baseline parameters were taken from the visit just before the second MPTCP session. Success was defined as IOP of 6 to 21 mm Hg or ≥20% reduction in IOP without an increase in glaucoma medication from baseline, without further glaucoma reoperation, and ≤3 total MPTCP episodes. The IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, and best-corrected visual acuity were documented preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative complications were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age±SD was 57.4±18.2 years with a mean follow-up duration of 28.9±27.5 months. Neovascular glaucoma was the most common type of glaucoma [18 eyes (41.9%)]. The success rates at postoperative years 1, 2, and 3, and the latest follow-up were 36.4%, 42.9%, 32.0%, and 39.5%, respectively. The median survival time of repeat MPTCP was 4.6 months. Compared with the preoperative mean IOP (35.2±11.0 mm Hg), the mean IOP at postoperative years 1, 2, and 3, and latest follow-up, was 27.8±13.7 mm Hg (P=0.004), 27.4±12.4 (P=0.003), 31.8±13.2 (P=0.35), and 27.1±13.8 mm Hg (P=0.002), respectively. The mean number of IOP-lowering medications was reduced from 3.3±0.9 preoperatively to 2.8±1.3 at the final follow-up (P=0.007). Postoperative complications included prolonged hypotony [3 eyes (7.0%)] and phthisis bulbi [2 eyes (4.7%)].

CONCLUSION

Repeated MPTCP is at best moderately effective in lowering IOP for eyes with advanced glaucoma.

Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Phacoemulsification Alone in Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL) with those of phacoemulsification alone (Phaco-alone) in patients with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected through a search of electronic databases. Trial eligibility and risk of bias were assessed using Cochrane review methods. Primary measures included the intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, peripheral anterior adhesion (PAS) extent, and their pre- and postoperative changes. For continuous parameters, we calculated weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Eight RCTs were included, where 224 and 236 eyes were in the Phaco-GSL and Phaco-alone groups, respectively. Both postoperative IOP and number of medications were not significantly different between the study groups at the six- and twelve-month follow-up. However, the 12-month postoperative PAS extent was significantly smaller in the Phaco-GSL group than in the Phaco-alone group. Similarly, changes from the preoperative to 12-month postoperative PAS extent were significantly greater in the Phaco-GSL group than in the Phaco-alone group, but IOP and the number of medication changes were not different.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that Phaco-GSL provides advantages over Phaco-alone treatment regarding PAS reduction. In terms of IOP and medication reduction, both groups were comparable. Thus, Phaco-GSL can be considered for the treatment of patients with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract due to its ease, safety, and potential benefit for the anterior chamber angle.

Combined Phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS Implant with Everting Suture in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Survival Analysis and Predictive Factors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS implant with everting suture in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and to examine predictive factors of failure. Twenty-three eyes of 18 patients were enrolled. Data about time of removal of releasable sutures and traction of the everting suture and about changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected, as well as comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Success was defined by the following criteria: IOP ≤ 18 mmHg (criterion 1); IOP ≤ 15 mmHg (criterion 2); and IOP ≤ 12 mmHg (criterion 3). Success was categorized as complete or qualified, depending on whether it was reached without or with drugs, respectively. Success rate was assessed with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with a Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for potential confounders. The lowering of IOP and the reduction of medications were statistically significant at every follow-up visit compared with the baseline (p < 0.05). The complete success rates were 87%, 70%, and 17% accordingly to criterion 1, 2, and 3; the qualified success rates were 93%, 70%, and 20%, respectively. Most of the complications resolved spontaneously and conservatively. In conclusion, combined phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS Minishunt implant with everting suture is a safe and effective surgery, even in PACG, lowering IOP and number of medications.

Phacoemulsification Versus Phacotrabeculectomy in Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma With Cataract: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

PRECIS

Phacotrabeculectomy was more effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma drugs than phacoemulsification alone in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with cataract but was associated with more postoperative complications, up to 5 years after surgery.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare long-term clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification versus phacotrabeculectomy in PACG eyes with cataract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 2 initial prospective randomized controlled trials recruited PACG eyes with cataract using the same criteria and randomized these eyes to receiving either phacoemulsification or phacotrabeculectomy. Clinical data up to 5 years of follow-up were pooled for retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Clinical data of 35 patients in the phacoemulsification group and 44 patients in the phacotrabeculectomy group were analyzed. At 5 years after surgery, the mean IOP was decreased by 20.7% and 29.5% from before surgery to 5 years after phacoemulsification and phacotrabeculectomy, respectively (P<0.001 for both groups). Phacotrabeculectomy was significantly more effective than phacoemulsification in reducing IOP up to 5 years after surgery (P<0.001). At 5 years, the mean number of glaucoma drugs required±1 SD was 1.6±1.2 in the phacoemulsification group, and 0.7±1.0 in the phacotrabeculectomy group (P=0.004). Phacotrabeculectomy was associated with more postoperative complications than phacoemulsification up to 5 years (25 complications in the phacotrabeculectomy group versus 6 in the phacoemulsification group, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Phacoemulsification alone reduces IOP and the need for glaucoma drugs in PACG eyes with cataracts for up to 5 years. Phacotrabeculectomy was more effective in reducing IOP and glaucoma drugs than phacoemulsification alone but was associated with more postoperative complications, up to 5 years after surgery.

Prospective Study on Ex-PRESS Implantation Combined with Phacoemulsification in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Coexisting Cataract: 3-Year Results

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of Ex-PRESS implantation combined with phacoemulsification surgery in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with cataract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, nonrandomized study. A total of 34 eyes of 34 subjects were enrolled. The assessments were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. The assessments included intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the number of glaucoma medications, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and related complications, if any. The anterior segment structure was also assessed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography based on the anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance (AOD500), and trabecular-iris angle (TIA). A complete success was defined as a controlled IOP between 5 and 21 mmHg without medications.

RESULTS

The complete success rates at 12, 24, and 36 postoperative months were 91.2%, 81.7%, and 78.3%, respectively. The mean preoperative IOP was 28.43 ± 12.93 mmHg and decreased to 15.35 ± 4.02 mmHg at 3 years postoperatively (P < 0.001). The number of medications decreased from 2.47 ± 1.89 at baseline to 0.28 ± 0.76 at 3 years postoperatively (P = 0.001). BCVA was 0.83 ± 0.58 at baseline and 0.51 ± 0.33 at 3 years postoperatively (P = 0.008). The ACD, AOD500, and TIA significantly increased at 3 months postoperatively compared with baseline (P < 0.001). ECD at 3 months and 3 years postoperatively were both significantly lower compared with baseline (P = 0.03), but was not significantly different between 3 months and 3 years postoperatively (P = 0.07). The device-related complications identified were hypotony (5.8%), hyphema (2.9%), and iris touch (2.9%), which the incidence rates were all very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Ex-PRESS implantation combined with phacoemulsification was effective for lowering IOP in PACG coexisting with cataract. The device-related complication was rare.

Effects of Phacoemulsification Combined With Goniosynechialysis on Primary Angle-closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To assess the effects of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and goniosynechialysis on patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

METHODS

A total of 145 eyes of 133 consecutively recruited patients were randomly divided into Phaco group and Trab group. Ocular parameters were measured before and after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 13.2±5.6 months. The visual acuity in the Phaco group was significantly improved, whereas no alternation was found in the Trab group after surgery. The intraocular pressure (IOP) had no notable difference in 2 groups before surgery. Compared with preoperative IOP, there was significant decrease after surgery. No remarkable change in the IOP was measured in the 2 groups after surgery for 12 months. The anterior chamber depth was markedly augmented in the Phaco group compared with the Trab group after surgery for 3 months. Compared with the the Trab group, no obvious change in coefficient of outflow facility was found in the Phaco group before and after surgery, whereas there was a significant increase relative to its preoperation. The angle closure decreased from (290±25) to (60±35) degrees after surgery for 12 months in the Phaco group and no significant alteration was observed in the Trab group. The reduction extent of peripheral anterior synechiae was in direct proportion to the decreasing level of angle closure in the 2 groups. The change in the corneal endothelial cell density had no significant difference between 2 groups before and after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and goniosynechialysis is safe and effective for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Anterior Chamber Angle Assessment by Anterior-segment Optical Coherence Tomography After Phacoemulsification With or Without Goniosynechialysis in Patients With Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate changes of anterior chamber angle (ACA) by anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) following phacoemulsification (phaco) with or without goniosynechialysis (GSL).

METHODS

Patients with PACG recruited into 2 randomized controlled trials comparing phaco-GSL versus phaco were pooled for analysis. Images of ACA were obtained by AS-OCT before surgery, and at 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The following parameters were analyzed: angle opening distance (AOD) at 500 and 750 μm from the scleral spur, trabecular-iris space area (TISA) at 500 and 750 μm, angle recess area (ARA) at 500 and 750 μm, and scleral spur angle (SSA).

RESULTS

All parameters of ACA increased significantly after phaco-GSL (P<0.001), whereas no increase occurred in the phaco group. Negatively significant correlations were found in ΔAOD500 (P<0.05), ΔARA750 (P<0.05), ΔTISA500 (P<0.05), and ΔTISA750 (P<0.05) at 1, 3, and 6 months, and ΔSSA (P<0.05) at 3 and 6 months after phaco-GSL against Δ intraocular pressure (IOP). In the phaco-GSL group, 23 of 23 eyes had IOP<21 mm Hg without any antiglaucoma medication postoperatively. In the phaco group, 12 of 20 eyes (60%) had IOP<21 mm Hg without medication, 8 of 20 eyes required medication with IOP<21 mm Hg (15%) and uncontrollable IOP (25%) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

On AS-OCT evaluation, ACA in eyes with PACG opened and widened significantly after phaco-GSL in our study. It is suggested that ΔAOD500, ΔARA750, ΔTISA500, ΔTISA750, and ΔSSA would provide valuable information to estimate the effectiveness of phaco-GSL.

Small-incision phacotrabeculectomy versus phacoemulsification in refractory acute primary angle closure with cataract

Background

Acute primary angle closure (PAC) can be refractory to conventional treatment and intraocular pressure (IOP) is beyond control. Surgical intervention should be considered at the moment. The aim of the study was to compare small-incision phacotrabeculectomy (phacotrab, small-incision trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification) with phacoemulsification (phaco) in patients with refractory acute PAC and coexisting cataract.

Methods

Analyzed 49 eyes (49 patients) with acute PAC and cataract received small-incision phacotrab (24 eyes) or phaco (25 eyes) randomly. All these cases were refractory to conventional treatment involved the use of preoperative topical IOP-lowering agents, corticosteroids, mannitol, methazolamide and paracentesis to reduce IOP. The effects on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, anterior chamber depth (ACD), glaucoma medications, and complications were observed for twelve months.

Results

After operation BCVA of 18 patients (75 %) in phacotrab group and 20 patients (80 %) in phaco group improved compared to preoperative vision. No statistically significant differences in mean BCVA were found between the two groups. The mean postoperative IOP levels at all follow up time points were lower than the mean preoperative IOP in each group (P <0.001). There was statistically significant difference in mean IOP between the two groups only at 12 months postoperatively (P = 0.006). The surgical success rate (without medications, IOP ≤ 21 mmHg) was 83.33 % (20 eyes) and 72 % (18 eyes) in phacotrab group and phaco group respectively at 12 months. No statistically significant differences in the mean ACD were found between the two groups. There were no serious intra- or post-operative complications in the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

Besides phaco, small incision phacotrab may be another effective and safe choice in the treatment of patients with refractory acute PAC and coexisting cataract. Whether phacotrab is more effective in IOP control in the long term needs to be verified in the further.

Factors correlating with failure to control intraocular pressure in primary angle-closure glaucoma eyes with coexisting cataract treated by phacoemulsification or combined phacotrabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To identify clinical factors correlating with failure to control intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with cataract after phacoemulsification or phacotrabeculectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of two prospective randomized controlled clinical trials.

METHODS

Primary angle-closure glaucoma eyes with cataract received phacoemulsification or phacotrabeculectomy. Failure was defined as having IOP of 21mm Hg or greater, or requiring glaucoma drugs to maintain an IOP of less than 21 mm Hg, or having had additional IOP-lowering surgery. Factors correlating with failure at 24 months after surgery were identified using logistic regression model.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-three PACG eyes with cataract and receiving phacoemulsification (n = 62) and phacotrabeculectomy (n = 61) were analyzed. With univariate analysis, factors associated with failure included a higher preoperative IOP, a higher preoperative requirement for glaucoma drugs, absence of plateau iris configuration, and phacoemulsification alone. With multivariate analysis, factors associated with failure included a higher preoperative IOP [odds ratio (OR), 1.732 per increase in IOP of 5 mm Hg], a higher preoperative requirement for glaucoma drugs (OR, 1.913), and performance of phacoemulsification alone (OR, 10.24).

CONCLUSIONS

In PACG eyes with cataract, higher preoperative IOP and increased requirement for glaucoma drugs correlate with failure to control IOP after phacoemulsification or phacotrabeculectomy. Phacotrabeculectomy is more likely than phacoemulsification to achieve IOP control.

Conventional and emerging treatments in the management of acute primary angle closure

The management of acute primary angle closure is directed at lowering the intraocular pressure and relieving pupil block. Conventional treatment involves the use of medical treatment and laser peripheral iridotomy, respectively, as a means for achieving these aims. Newer therapeutic strategies have been described that are potentially useful adjuncts or alternatives to conventional treatment. Emerging strategies that lower intraocular pressure include anterior chamber paracentesis, as well as laser procedures such as iridoplasty and pupilloplasty. A possible alternative to relieving pupil block is lens extraction, and may be combined with adjunctive measures such as goniosynechiolysis and viscogoniosynechiolysis. Trabeculectomy has a limited role in the acute setting. This review paper reviews the current evidence regarding conventional and newer treatment modalities for acute primary angle closure.

Phacoemulsification alone versus phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma

Surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification only and phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy were compared in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Clinical records of 41 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed, and there was no difference in best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure preoperatively and at the final follow-up in both study groups. Regarding the number of anti-glaucoma medications, it was higher in the phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy group preoperatively than the phacoemulsification only group (p = 0.045), but both groups were taking similar quantities of medication at the final follow-up (p = 0.6). In addition, postoperative hypotony (two cases) occurred only after phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy, but not after phacoemulsification only. In one case after phacoemulsification only, a second operation was needed. There were no additional postoperative complications. In conclusion, both phacoemulsification only and phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy showed good surgical outcomes in PACG patients. Both procedures might be equally effective in treating patients with PACG.

Phacoemulsification and trabeculotomy combined with goniosynechialysis for uncontrollable chronic angle-closure glaucoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To assess and explore the effectiveness of phacoemulsification and trabeculotomy combined with goniosynechialysis in lowering intraocular pressure in eyes with uncontrollable chronic angle-closure glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical charts of 24 eyes of 22 patients with chronic angle-closure glaucoma were reviewed retrospectively. The probability of successful treatment in 12 eyes that had earlier glaucoma attacks and 12 that did not have an attack were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis with the target pressure set at 15 mm Hg.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative intraocular pressure for all eyes was 33.3 +/- 12.0 mm Hg and decreased to 11.8 +/- 2.3 mm Hg. The success rate was 86.6% at 1 year after surgery. Life-table analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Phacoemulsification and trabeculotomy combined with goniosynechialysis is an effective surgical treatment for chronic angle-closure glaucoma in eyes with or without a previous glaucoma attack.

Angle-closure glaucoma: the role of the lens in the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a major cause of blindness worldwide. It is a disease of ocular anatomy that is related to pupillary-block and angle-crowding mechanisms of filtration angle closure. Eyes at increased risk for primary angle-closure are small with decreased axial length, anterior chamber depth, and filtration angle width, associated with a proportionately large lens. Angle-closure glaucoma afflicts Asian and Eskimo eyes more frequently than eyes in other races with similar predisposing dimensions. The treatment of primary angle closure addresses its causal mechanisms. Laser peripheral iridotomy equalizes the anterior and posterior pressures and widens the filtration angle by reducing the effect of pupillary block. Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty contracts the iris stroma to reduce angle crowding and is helpful for some affected eyes. Lensectomy dramatically widens the angle and eliminates pupillary block. Clinical reports of lensectomy with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in the treatment of acute, chronic, and secondary angle-closure glaucoma describe very favorable results. The appropriate role for lensectomy in the management of primary angle closure, however, remains unproven. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are ongoing to determine the value and comparative risks and efficacy of lensectomy versus medical therapy, laser peripheral iridotomy, laser iridoplasty, and filtration procedures for the treatment of acute and chronic primary angle closure and for the prevention of chronic angle-closure glaucoma, both after and in place of laser peripheral iridotomy.

Phacoemulsification versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in medically uncontrolled chronic angle closure glaucoma with cataracts

OBJECTIVE

To compare phacoemulsification alone versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in medically uncontrolled chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) with coexisting cataract.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-one medically uncontrolled CACG eyes with coexisting cataract of 51 patients.

INTERVENTION

Recruited patients were randomized into group 1 (phacoemulsification alone) or group 2 (combined phacotrabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C). Postoperatively, patients were reviewed every 3 months for 2 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP) and requirement for topical glaucoma drugs.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven CACG eyes were randomized into group 1, and 24 CACG eyes were randomized into group 2. Combined phacotrabeculectomy resulted in lower mean postoperative IOP than phacoemulsification alone at 3 months (14.0 vs. 17.0 mmHg, P = 0.01), 15 months (13.2 vs. 15.4 mmHg, P = 0.02), and 18 months (13.6 vs. 15.9 mmHg, P = 0.01). Combined phacotrabeculectomy resulted in 1.25 fewer topical glaucoma drugs (P<0.001) in the 24-month postoperative period, compared with phacoemulsification alone. Combined surgery was associated with more postoperative complications (P<0.001) and more progression of optic neuropathy (P = 0.03), compared with phacoemulsification alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacotrabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C is more effective than phacoemulsification alone in controlling IOP in medically uncontrolled CACG eyes with coexisting cataract. Combined phacotrabeculectomy is associated with more postoperative complications.

Phacoemulsification versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in medically controlled chronic angle closure glaucoma with cataract

OBJECTIVE

To compare phacoemulsification alone versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in medically controlled chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) with coexisting cataract.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-two medically controlled CACG eyes with coexisting cataract.

INTERVENTION

Recruited patients were randomized into group 1 (phacoemulsification alone) or group 2 (combined phacotrabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C). Postoperatively, patients were reviewed every 3 months for 2 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP) and requirement for topical glaucoma drugs.

RESULTS

Thirty-five CACG eyes were randomized into group 1, and 37 CACG eyes were randomized into group 2. There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in mean IOP between the 2 treatment groups preoperatively and postoperatively, except at 1 month (P = 0.001) and 3 months (P = 0.008). Combined phacotrabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C resulted in 0.80 less topical glaucoma drugs (P<0.001) in the 24-month postoperative period compared with phacoemulsification alone. The differences in IOP control were, however, not associated with differences in glaucomatous progression. Combined surgery was associated with more postoperative (P<0.001) complications compared with phacoemulsification alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacotrabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C may be marginally more effective than phacoemulsification alone in controlling IOP in medically controlled CACG eyes with coexisting cataract. Combined surgery may be associated with more complications and additional surgery in the postoperative period. Further study is needed to determine whether the marginally better IOP control of combined surgery justifies the potential additional risks of complications and further surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The Clinical Outcomes of Cataract Extraction by Phacoemulsification in Eyes With Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG) and Co-Existing Cataract

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive cataract extraction by phacoemulsification, with primary intraocular lens implantation, in eyes with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and co-existing cataract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive primary angle-closure glaucoma patients with co-existing visually significant cataract were invited to participate in this prospective study. After obtaining informed consent, cataract extraction by phacoemulsification through a clear corneal incision was performed under topical anesthesia. Foldable intraocular lenses were implanted in the same setting. These patients were then followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), requirement for glaucoma drugs, and visual acuity.

RESULTS

Twenty-one primary angle-closure glaucoma eyes of 21 patients were recruited. Mean age (+/- SD) was 73.7 +/- 8.1 years (range, 60-87 years). There were 12 female patients and 9 male patients, with 13 right eyes and 8 left eyes. Nine eyes (42.9%) had history of acute primary angle closure. Mean follow-up duration was 20.7 +/- 3.6 months (range, 13-26 months). Intraocular pressure was decreased from a mean preoperative level of 19.7 +/- 6.1 mm Hg (range, 11 mm Hg-40 mm Hg) to 15.5 +/- 3.9 mm Hg (range, 9 mm Hg-26 mm Hg) at final follow-up (P = 0.022) (paired t test). The number of glaucoma eye drops required was decreased from a mean preoperative level of 1.91 +/- 0.77 (range, 1-3) to 0.52 +/- 0.87 (range, 0-3) at final follow-up (P < 0.001) (paired t test). In 10 eyes (47.6%), visual acuity improved significantly after surgery. In 9 eyes (42.9%), visual acuity remained the same. In 2 eyes (9.5%), visual acuity deteriorated significantly after surgery. Mean cup-to-disc ratio was 0.6 +/- 0.2 (range, 0.3-0.9) preoperatively, and 0.7 +/- 0.2 (range, 0.3-0.9) postoperatively (P = 0.047) (paired t test).

CONCLUSIONS

In primary angle-closure glaucoma patients with co-existing cataract, cataract extraction alone (by phacoemulsification) can significantly reduce both intraocular pressure and the requirement for glaucoma drugs.