Kahook Dual-Blade goniotomy combined with phacoemulsification in primary open-angle glaucoma patients: long-term results.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive disease that requires long-term treatment and continuous monitoring. The Kahook Dual Blade, a device used to perform goniotomy in adults, is designed to improve intraocular pressure control in patients with glaucoma. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of kahook dual blade goniotomy in glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery over a 36-month follow-up.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series including 56 eyes from 56 patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification combined with kahook dual blade goniotomy. Mean intraocular pressure values, number of preoperative and postoperative hypotensive eye drops, procedure survival, and complications were evaluated over 36 months. Surgical success was defined as either a reduction in intraocular pressure of ≥20% with intraocular pressure between 6 and 18 mmHg without additional medication or a reduction of ≥1 eye drop with intraocular pressure between 6 and 18 mmHg.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative intraocular pressure decreased from 15.96 ± 2,83) mmHg to 13.14 ± 2,11) mmHg at 36 months, representing a 14.9% reduction (p<0.001). The mean number of eye drops decreased from 1.91 ± 0,75) to 1.34 ± 0,92), a 29.8% reduction (p<0.001). The overall success rate was 69.6% at 36 months.

CONCLUSION

Kahook dual blade goniotomy combined with cataract surgery significantly reduced intraocular pressure and the number of hypotensive eye drops required in patients with mild-to-moderate primary open-angle glaucoma, with a favorable success rate maintained at 36 months.