Refractive outcomes among glaucoma patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract extraction with and without Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy

Refractive Outcomes Following Combined Cataract and Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare refractive outcomes in eyes undergoing cataract extraction (CE) alone, CE with goniotomy (CE/goniotomy), and CE with Schlemm's canal stent (CE/SCS) insertion.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eyes from the Bascom Palmer Glaucoma Repository undergoing CE/goniotomy, CE/SCS insertion, or uncomplicated CE alone between July 2014 and February 2022 were identified.

METHODS

Refraction data were analyzed at postoperative month (POM) 1 and 6 with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. Anisometropia was defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) difference of ≥2D.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was mean refraction at POM1 and POM6 across the 3 surgical groups. Secondary outcomes were comparisons of refraction and visual acuity (VA) among different goniotomy and Schlemm's canal stent (SCS) devices, as well as incidence of anisometropia.

RESULTS

A total of 8360 eyes (150 CE/goniotomy, 395 CE/SCS, and 7815 CE alone) from 6059 patients were analyzed. At POM1, mean SE in the CE/goniotomy, CE/SCS, and CE alone groups was -0.36 ± 0.91D, -0.31 ± 0.85D, and -0.39 ± 0.88D respectively (P = 0.019). Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA was 0.10 ± 0.20, 0.08 ± 0.19, and 0.14 ± 0.26 respectively (P = 0.002, CE/SCS vs. CE alone). No statistically significant differences were noted at POM6. Anisometropia occurred at POM1 in 2 patients (13.3%) in the CE/goniotomy-CE group, 1 patient (3.2%) in the CE/SCS-CE group, and 184 patients (4.9%) in the CE-CE group (P = 0.217). At POM6, mean SEs were -0.38 ± 0.97D (CE/goniotomy), -0.35 ± 0.81D (CE/SCS), and -0.40 ± 0.91D (CE alone; P = 0.473). No significant differences in overall refractive outcomes were observed with different SCS or goniotomy devices. Among primary open-angle glaucoma/normal-tension glaucoma eyes, mean SE at POM1 was -0.36 ± 0.73D (CE/goniotomy), -0.24 ± 0.84D (CE/SCS), and -0.45 ± 0.81D (CE alone; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent SCS insertion or goniotomy with CE was associated with some statistically significant differences in postoperative refraction and VA, although these small magnitude differences were unlikely to be clinically meaningful.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

European Glaucoma Society - A guide on surgical innovation for glaucoma

PROLOGUE: Glaucoma surgery has been, for many decades now, dominated by the universal gold standard which is trabeculectomy augmented with antimetabolites. Tubes also came into the scene to complement what we use to call conventional or traditional glaucoma surgery. More recently we experienced a changing glaucoma surgery environment with the "advent" of what we have become used to calling Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). What is the unmet need, what is the gap that these newcomers aim to fill? Hippocrates taught us "bring benefit, not harm" and new glaucoma techniques and devices aim to provide safer surgery compared to conventional surgery. For the patient, but also for the clinician, safety is important. Is more safety achieved with new glaucoma surgery and, if so, is it associated with better, equivalent, or worse efficacy? Is new glaucoma surgery intended to replace conventional surgery or to complement it as an 'add-on' to what clinicians already have in their hands to manage glaucoma? Which surgery should be chosen for which patient? What are the options? Are they equivalent? These are too many questions for the clinician! What are the answers to the questions? What is the evidence to support answers? Do we need more evidence and how can we produce high-quality evidence? This EGS Guide explores the changing and challenging glaucoma surgery environment aiming to provide answers to these questions. The EGS uses four words to highlight a continuum: Innovation, Education, Communication, and Implementation. Translating innovation to successful implementation is crucially important and requires high-quality evidence to ensure steps forward to a positive impact on health care when it comes to implementation. The vision of EGS is to provide the best possible well-being and minimal glaucomainduced visual disability in individuals with glaucoma within an affordable healthcare system. In this regard, assessing the changes in glaucoma surgery is a pivotal contribution to better care. As mentioned, this Guide aims to provide answers to the crucial questions above. However, every clinician is aware that answers may differ for every person: an individualised approach is needed. Therefore, there will be no uniform answer for all situations and all patients. Clinicians would need, through the clinical method and possibly some algorithm, to reach answers and decisions at the individual level. In this regard, evidence is needed to support clinicians to make decisions. Of key importance in this Guide is to provide an overview of existing evidence on glaucoma surgery and specifically on recent innovations and novel devices, but also to set standards in surgical design and reporting for future studies on glaucoma surgical innovation. Designing studies in surgery is particularly challenging because of many subtle variations inherent to surgery and hence multiple factors involved in the outcome, but even more because one needs to define carefully outcomes relevant to the research question but also to the future translation into clinical practice. In addition this Guide aims to provide clinical recommendations on novel procedures already in use when insufficient evidence exists. EGS has a long tradition to provide guidance to the ophthalmic community in Europe and worldwide through the EGS Guidelines (now in their 5th Edition). The EGS leadership recognized that the changing environment in glaucoma surgery currently represents a major challenge for the clinician, needing specific guidance. Therefore, the decision was made to issue this Guide on Glaucoma Surgery in order to help clinicians to make appropriate decisions for their patients and also to provide the framework and guidance for researchers to improve the quality of evidence in future studies. Ultimately this Guide will support better Glaucoma Care in accordance with EGS's Vision and Mission. Fotis Topouzis EGS President

Anterior Segment Changes and Refractive Outcomes after Cataract Surgery Combined with Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Open-Angle Glaucoma

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in patients undergoing phacoemulsification combined with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (phaco-GATT) and to determine the predictive factors for refractive errors.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-three eyes of 53 patients undergoing phaco-GATT were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative 3-month anterior segment (AS) parameters were measured by Scheimpflug camera. The mean prediction error (PE), mean absolute error (MAE) in the Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraft/theoretical (SRK/T), Barrett- Universal II, Hill-radial basis function (Hill-RBF) and Kane formulas were compared. The influence of biometric parameters on PE were analyzed by correlation analysis.

Results

Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant decrease in axial length (AL) and significant enlargement in anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and anterior chamber volume (p<0.001). The mean PE using SRK/T (-0.08 diopters [D]) was more myopic than in the Barret (0.01 D) and Hill-RBF (0.01 D). The PE closest to zero was in the Kane formula (0.001 D). The Kane formula provided a lower MAE (0.30±0.28 D) than the SRK/T (0.38±0.32 D) and Barrett (0.36±0.30 D) (p<0.001). The MAE in Hill-RBF (0.32±0.28) was comparable with that in Kane (p=0.02). Preoperative AL was significantly associated with PE in all formulas except Kane. Barrett was the only formula that did not have a significant correlation between PE and postoperative ACD and ACA.

Conclusion

The Kane formula may provide higher predictability of the IOL power calculation than the SRK/T and Barrett-Universal II formulas in phaco-GATT surgery, which can cause significant changes in the AS and AL.

Premium Intraocular Lenses in Glaucoma-A Systematic Review

The incidence of both cataract and glaucoma is increasing globally. With increasing patient expectation and improved technology, premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), including presbyopia-correcting and toric IOLs, are being increasingly implanted today. However, concerns remain regarding the use of premium IOLs, particularly presbyopia-correcting IOLs, in eyes with glaucoma. This systematic review evaluates the use of premium IOLs in glaucoma. A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE database was performed from inception until 1 June 2023. Initial search yielded 1404 records, of which 12 were included in the final review of post-operative outcomes. Studies demonstrated high spectacle independence for distance and good patient satisfaction in glaucomatous eyes, with positive outcomes also in post-operative visual acuity, residual astigmatism, and contrast sensitivity. Considerations in patient selection include anatomical and functional factors, such as the type and severity of glaucomatous visual field defects, glaucoma subtype, presence of ocular surface disease, ocular changes after glaucoma surgery, and the reliability of disease monitoring, all of which may be affected by, or influence, the outcomes of premium IOL implantation in glaucoma patients. Regular reviews on this topic are needed in order to keep up with the rapid advancements in IOL technology and glaucoma surgical treatments.

Factors contributing to long-term refractive error after cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate factors that may influence the direction and extent of long-term refractive error after cataract surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study conducted across two private practices in Sydney, NSW, Australia. The study population consisted of patients who underwent cataract phacoemulsification surgery between January 1 and December 31, 2018. Patients who received cataract surgery combined with another procedure were excluded. Demographic and biometric data including anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry, central corneal thickness, axial length (AL) and lens thickness were obtained pre-operatively. Spherical equivalent (SEQ) refraction was measured at 2 months and 3 years after surgery and compared with target refraction. Factors associated with refractive error were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study included 221 eyes of 122 patients. A refractive error within 1.00 D was achieved in 217 eyes (98.2%) at 3 years post-operatively. Mean prediction error decreased significantly between 2 months and 3 years after surgery irrespective of whether eyes were more myopic (p < 0.001) or more hypermetropic than predicted (p < .0001). Pre-operative ACD and ACD-to-AL ratio were significantly associated with SEQ prediction error.

CONCLUSION

After cataract surgery, refractive outcomes may be influenced by ACD and ACD-to-AL ratio. The pre-operative assessment of these risk factors may better inform IOL selection in individual patients. Prospective studies in a larger cohort are required.

A Review of Excisional Goniotomy Performed with the Kahook Dual Blade for Glaucoma Management

Aim

To review the published literature describing clinical outcomes of excisional goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) for the management of glaucoma.

Background

A family of less invasive glaucoma procedures-including excisional goniotomy with the KDB-has been developed to provide moderate reductions in intraocular pressure and/or medication burden in eyes with therapeutic needs that may not warrant the risks associated with more traditional procedures such as trabeculectomy and tube-shunt implantation. This review's goal is to synthesize the existing literature into a compendium of excisional goniotomy's indications, technique, efficacy and safety outcomes, and optimal place in glaucoma management.

Review results

Excisional goniotomy with the KDB effectively lowers IOP and reduces the medication burden in eyes with POAG and other forms of glaucoma across the spectrum of both baseline IOP and disease severity. The procedure exhibits a safety profile that is on par with other angle-based surgical interventions and enhanced safety compared to filtration procedures. It can be performed by comprehensive ophthalmologists as well as glaucoma specialists. This procedure as a standalone operation delivers IOP reductions consistent with filtration surgery, and in combination with cataract surgery delivers both IOP and medication reductions at least as great as other minimally invasive procedures.

Conclusion

Given the broad base of evidence supporting its use in a wide variety of clinical scenarios, excisional goniotomy with the KDB can play a meaningful role in the achievement of patient-specific glaucoma therapy goals.

Clinical significance

These aggregate findings support the efficacy and safety of excisional goniotomy with the KDB and clarify the patient profiles best suited for this procedure.

How to cite this article

Dorairaj S, Radcliffe NM, Grover DS, et al. A Review of Excisional Goniotomy Performed with the Kahook Dual Blade for Glaucoma Management. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(1):59-64.

12-month clinical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To describe intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular hypotensive medication outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB; New World Medical, Inc, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) in adults with cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective chart review of existing medical records. Data collected included intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication use preoperatively and through up to 24 months postoperatively. Paired t-tests were utilized to compare preoperative to postoperative mean IOP and mean medications used.

RESULTS

Data from 32 eyes of 26 subjects were analyzed. Subjects were predominantly Caucasian (25/26) had mean (standard error) age of 79.3 (1.2) years, and eyes had moderate-advanced OAG (mean visual field mean deviation -8.3 [1.3] dB). Mean IOP was 19.8 (0.8) mmHg at baseline and 15.5 (0.6) mmHg (p<0.0001) after mean follow-up of 11.5 (1.0) months; IOP reductions of ≥20% were achieved in 20/32 eyes (62.5%). Mean medication use declined from 2.4 (0.2) medications per eye at baseline to 0.5 (0.2) at last follow-up (p<0.0001); 23/32 eyes (71.9%) were medication-free at last follow-up. No vision-threatening complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined phacoemulsification and ab interno trabeculectomy with the KDB safely provided mean IOP reductions of 21.7% and mean IOP medication reductions of 83% after mean follow-up of 12 months in eyes with moderate to advanced OAG. This procedure provides medication-independence in most eyes with statistically and clinically significant IOP reductions.

Biometric Predictability in Combined Cataract Surgery and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation Depending on Tube Position

Purpose

To compare the predictability of biometric results in patients undergoing cataract surgery combined with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation according to tube position.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery combined with AGV implantation with the tube in posterior (group PC) and anterior (group AC) chamber, between November 2012 and April 2020. The main outcome was the mean biometric prediction error, according to tube position, using different formulas.

Results

The study included 49 eyes of 36 patients, 23 eyes in group PC and 26 eyes in group AC. Gender (p=0.774), age (p=0.822), type of glaucoma (p=0.168), preoperative correct distance visual acuity (p=0.139), axial length (p=0.765), anterior chamber depth (p=0.351), keratometry (p=0.577) and intraocular lens power (p=0.608) were similar between groups. Only preoperative intraocular pressure was higher in group PC (p=0.005). The mean prediction errors using Haigis, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Barrett Universal II, Kane and Hill RBF formulas were all positive in group PC (hyperopic) and all negative (myopic) in group AC. In group PC, there was no significant difference in prediction error between these formulas (p>0.05). In group AC, the formula with the worst prediction error was Haigis (p=0.001), and the best was Barrett Universal II (p=0.043).

Conclusion

The biometric predictability and expected final refraction in phacoemulsification surgery combined with AGV implantation are modified by the position of the tube.

Twelve-month results of ab interno trabeculectomy with Kahook Dual Blade: an interventional, randomized, controlled clinical study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Kahook Dual Blade ab interno trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification compared to stand-alone conventional cataract surgery.

METHODS

A single-center longitudinal, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients older than 18 years with coexisting cataract and open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were invited to participate. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed preoperatively and at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 after the procedure. Main outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, number of glaucoma medications, endothelial cell count, and standard automated perimetry.

RESULTS

Forty-two eyes from 33 patients were randomly allocated to the combined cataract and KDB (treatment, n = 21) or cataract alone (control, n = 21) groups. Intraocular pressure decreased from 17.9 ± 3.5 to 16.0 ± 2.2 mmHg and from 17.3 ± 2.5 to 15 ± 3.2 mmHg at the last visit in the treatment and control groups (p = 0.47). The use of glaucoma medications was reduced from a median (IQR) 1 (1-2) to 0 (0-0) in the treatment group and from 1 (1-2) to 0 (0-1) in the control group, with no significant differences between groups at the 12-month visit (p = 0.47). Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell count, and standard automated perimetry remained similar during follow-up in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with well-controlled, mild-to-moderate glaucoma, adding ab interno trabeculectomy with KDB to phacoemulsification might not be more effective than phacoemulsification alone to reach mid-teens IOP values. Both procedures showed similar safety profiles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04202562, December 17, 2019 retrospectively registered.

Effect of postoperative corticosteroids on surgical outcome and aqueous autotaxin following combined cataract and microhook ab interno trabeculotomy

To evaluate the effect of postoperative corticosteroids on surgical outcome and autotaxin (ATX) levels after microhook ab interno trabeculotomy combined with cataract surgery (μLOT-CS), prospective, consecutive non-randomized case series comparing outcomes of 30 eyes with primary open angle glaucoma was performed. The aqueous ATX, intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma medications were monitored for 3 months postoperatively. An in-vivo mouse μLOT model was generated. In vitro, ATX and fibrotic changes induced by dexamethasone (Dex) treatment following scratch (S) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells were assessed by immunofluorescence, immunoenzymatic assay, and RT-qPCR. Postoperative ATX at 1 week and the number of antiglaucoma medications at 3 months were significantly lower in non-steroid group, and steroid use was the only variable significantly associated with postoperative medications at 3 months in multiregression analyses. In vitro, ATX activity was significantly upregulated in the Dex + S group, and αSMA was significantly upregulated in the Dex and Dex + S groups. Fibronectin and COL1A1 were significantly upregulated in the S group. μLOT-CS decreased IOP and medications in the overall cohort, and non-use of postoperative steroids resulted in a smaller number of postoperative medications. Limiting postoperative steroids in μLOT may minimize IOP elevation and postoperative fibrosis.

<p>Effect of Excisional Goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) on Surgically Induced Astigmatism</p>

Purpose

To determine the effect of Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy with phacoemulsification (Phaco-KDB) compared to phacoemulsification alone (Phaco) on surgically induced astigmatism (SIA).

Design

Prospective study.

Participants

Forty eyes of 28 patients treated with Phaco-KDB and 20 eyes of 13 patients treated with Phaco between 12/27/16 and 7/23/19 with a minimum 1 month follow-up were prospectively enrolled.

Methods

Corneal astigmatism was assessed pre- and post-operatively using the simulated K (simK) values from the Pentacam Holladay report.

Main Outcome Measures

SIA was compared between Phaco-KDB and Phaco groups using mean magnitude SIA, rate of ≥0.50 D SIA, and SIA centroids.

Results

The difference in mean magnitude SIA was not statistically significant between Phaco-KDB and Phaco (mean = 0.28 D and 0.25 D, respectively, P = 0.621). The difference in the rate of ≥0.50 D SIA was not statistically significant between Phaco-KDB and Phaco (11.6% and 10.0%, respectively, P = 1.00). The SIA centroid for Phaco-KDB was 0.05 D @ 51° ± 0.40 D and 0.07 D @ 3° ± 0.32 D for Phaco.

Conclusion

Neither the mean magnitude SIA nor the rate of astigmatic change ≥0.50 D was significantly different between Phaco-KDB and Phaco groups. SIA centroids between groups showed comparable and negligible effect on corneal astigmatism. KDB combined with phacoemulsification may not significantly affect SIA compared to phacoemulsification alone based on postoperative topography and is likely an astigmatically neutral procedure.

Comparison of 12-Month Outcomes of Kahook Dual Blade Excisional Goniotomy Performed by Attending versus Resident Surgeons

Objective Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy (KDB) has proven effective in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and reducing the medication burden in patients with glaucoma. This study compares outcomes up to 12 months postoperatively after KDB combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-KDB) between an ophthalmology attending and residents.

Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 160 eyes of 113 patients who received a phaco-KDB performed by either an ophthalmology attending or a resident under direct guidance of the attending. Data for each patient was collected preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was surgical success, defined as 20% IOP reduction or at least 1 medication reduction at 12 months. The secondary outcome measures included mean IOP and medication reduction at each postoperative time point, adverse events, operating time, and survival time, defined as time to failure to meet the criteria for surgical success or requiring a secondary IOP-lowering procedure.

Results Preoperative mean IOP was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.585), while baseline medications were higher in the attending group (p = 0.040). Rate of successful outcomes was similar in both groups at 12 months (73.3% attending vs. 87.5% residents, p = 0.708). Mean IOP reduction (1.7 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.278) and medication reduction (0.7 vs. 0.6, p = 0.537) also did not differ at 12 months. Presence of adverse events was similar between the groups (21.6 vs. 27.3%, p = 0.938). The survival time was significantly longer in the attending group (356.3 ± 20.2 days vs. 247.1 ± 26.8 days, p = 0.003). Resident cases took ∼10 minutes longer compared with attending cases (p < 0.001).

Conclusion IOP lowering outcomes and rate of adverse events of KDB were similar whether the primary surgeon was an attending or a resident surgeon. The survival time was significantly longer in the attending group, but overall success rate was 77.5% for both groups. This suggests phaco-KDB is an effective procedure that can be safely performed by a trainee under direct supervision of an experienced surgeon.

Two-Year Clinical Outcomes of Combined Phacoemulsification, Goniosynechialysis, and Excisional Goniotomy For Angle-Closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP medications after phacoemulsification with Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively through 24 months of follow-up in 42 eyes of 24 subjects.

RESULTS

Preoperative mean (SE) IOP was 25.5 (0.7) mm Hg using a mean of 2.3 (0.1) medications per eye. At month 24, mean IOP had decreased to 13.5 (0.4) mm Hg [a reduction of 12.0 mm Hg (47.1%); P < 0.0001]. Medication use declined to a mean of 0.6 (0.2) medications per eye [a reduction of 1.7 medications per eye (76%); P < 0.0001]. At month 24, 40 of 42 eyes (95.2%) achieved IOP ≤18 mm Hg, 42 of 42 eyes (100%) achieved IOP reduction of ≥20%, 36 of 42 eyes (85.7%) required ≥1 fewer medications for IOP control, and 29 of 42 (69.0%) were medication-free. No eyes required additional glaucoma surgery throughout 24 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Phaco plus Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis/excisional goniotomy provides statistically and clinically meaningful reductions in both IOP and medications in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma throughout 2 years of follow-up. These findings are consistent with our previously reported outcomes in this cohort at months 6 and 12 postoperatively, demonstrating a significant and sustained benefit of this procedure in eyes with angle-closure glaucoma and cataract.

Quality of Life After Combined Cataract and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

To determine the quality of life (QOL) in glaucoma patients undergoing combined cataract and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery from various perspectives ranging from personal, social, occupational life, and economic status.

Settings and Design

A cross-sectional study design at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Patients undergoing phacoemulsification in conjunction with various forms of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for each patient, including either Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy, iStent, iStent inject and gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT), were included in the study between 2018 and 2019. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire based on the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) for the 25-item National Eye Institute.

Results

The study included 93 eyes of 78 patients (40 males and 38 females) who had MIGS: 50 KDB, 13 iStent, 23 iStent inject, and 7 GATT. An overall reduction in the number of anti-glaucoma medications (p<0.001) was statistically significant. In the study, 36.6% of patients had a better social life, but 85.2% had no change in occupational life. Eventually, 86% were satisfied with the operation’s outcome, and 79% confirmed that the overall quality of life improved after the procedure.

Conclusion

Evaluating QOL is a crucial component of glaucoma treatment. More research is needed on MIGS and their relationship to QOL. In the future, MIGS may provide the desired outcomes in controlling glaucoma and improving the QOL.

Visual outcomes of combined cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has become a reliable standard of care for the treatment of glaucoma when combined with cataract surgery. This review describes the MIGS procedures currently combined with and without cataract surgery with a focus on visual outcomes based on the literature and the experience of the ASCRS Glaucoma Clinical Committee.

Personalising surgical treatments for glaucoma patients

Surgical treatments for glaucoma have relied for decades on traditional filtering surgery such as trabeculectomy and, in more challenging cases, tubes. Antifibrotics were introduced to improve surgical success in patients at increased risk of failure but have been shown to be linked to a greater incidence of complications, some being potentially vision-threatening. As our understanding of glaucoma and its early diagnosis have improved, a more individualised management has been suggested. Recently the term "precision medicine" has emerged as a new concept of an individualised approach to disease management incorporating a wide range of individual data in the choice of therapeutic modalities. For glaucoma surgery, this involves evaluation of the right timing, individual risk factors, targeting the correct anatomical and functional outflow pathways and appropriate prevention of scarring. As a consequence, there is an obvious need for better knowledge of anatomical and functional pathways and for more individualised surgical approaches with new, less invasive and safer techniques allowing for earlier intervention. With the recent advent of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) a large number of novel devices have been introduced targeting potential new sites of the outflow pathway for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Their popularity is growing in view of the relative surgical simplicity and apparent lack of serious side effects. However, these new surgical techniques are still in an era of early experiences, short follow-up and lack of evidence of their superiority in safety and cost-effectiveness over the traditional methods. Each year several new devices are introduced while others are withdrawn from the market. Glaucoma continues to be the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and access to safe and efficacious treatment is a serious problem, particularly in the emerging world where the burden of glaucoma-related blindness is important and concerning. Early diagnosis, individualised treatment and, very importantly, safe surgical management should be the hallmarks of glaucoma treatment. However, there is still need for a better understanding of the disease, its onset and progression, the functional and structural elements of the outflow pathways in relation to the new devices as well as their long-term IOP-lowering efficacy and safety. This review discusses current knowledge and the future need for personalised glaucoma surgery.

Combined microinvasive glaucoma surgery in osteogenesis imperfecta patient with refractory open angle glaucoma

Purpose

To report a case of refractory open angle glaucoma (POAG) in an osteogenesis imperfecta patient who was successfully treated with combination microinvasive glaucoma surgery: combined kahook blade goniotomy and ciliary sulcus suprachoroidal microtube insertion.

Observation

A 57-year-old woman with a history of osteoporosis, breast cancer, osteogenesis imperfecta, with uncontrolled POAG in right more than left. Anterior segment examination revealed thin blue sclera, the optic nerve examination revealed glaucomatous cupping with cup to disc ration of 0.9 in right and 0.7 in left. Her IOP on six (6) medications was 26 mmHg in the right eye. After discussion of the risks and benefits, she agreed to undergo combined kahook blade goniotomy and ciliary sulcus suprachoroidal microtube insertion surgery to lower her intraocular pressure. Her IOP at 6 months follow up was 13 in the right eye and a decrease number of medications from six (6) to three.

Conclusion and importance

Patients with OI have homogenously thinner sclera and conjunctiva which pose a challenge to traditional subconjunctival surgical methods. Combined kahook blade goniotomy and ciliary sulcus suprachoroidal microtube insertion surgery are bleb sparing operations that enhances aqueous outflow to the aqueous veins and supraciliary space to lower intraocular pressure.

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Combined microinvasive surgery.

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Osteogenesis imperfecta.

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Refractory open angle glaucoma.

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Glaucoma, kahook blade goniotomy.

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Suprachoroidal microtube.