Trabecular microbypass stent combined with phacoemulsification in patients with open-angle glaucoma, 1-year outcome in a Taiwanese population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of one trabecular microbypass stent (first generation iStent) combined with phacoemulsification cataract surgery (phaco) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in a Taiwanese population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

One trabecular microbypass stent was implanted after phacoemulsification cataract surgery by one surgeon. Intraocular pressure (IOP), medications, corrected distance visual acuity, complications, and adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

This case series included 28 eyes of 25 patients with OAG (19 primary open-angle glaucoma [POAG] and 9 normal tension glaucoma [NTG]). None had previous trabeculectomy or laser trabeculoplasty. At 1 year, the mean IOP decreased from 19.34 ± 3.92 mmHg to 15.84 ± 3.05 mmHg, and the mean number of glaucoma medications decreased from 1.82 ± 1.12 to 0.79 ± 1.17 (both P < 0.001). Longer survival was observed in the NTG eyes (NTG: 11.67 ± 1.00 months, POAG: 9.53 ± 3.78 months, P = 0.031). iStent reposition was performed in one eye, and four eyes received laser treatment for stent occlusion. None had secondary glaucoma surgery.

CONCLUSION

Combined phacoemulsification and iStent implantations are a safe and effective way in reducing IOP and medication burden in patients with OAG, especially NTG.