Outcomes and safety of phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation plus goniosynechialysis and goniotomy for advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation (PEI) plus goniosynechilysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) for advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

Methods

An observational case series study was performed.Fifty eyes of 50 patients with advanced PACG were enrolled in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from August 2020 to June 2021.All the patients received PEI+ GSL+ GT and were followed up for over 6 months, with a mean follow-up of 7.5 (6, 10) months.Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined with an ETDRS chart and converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) units for analysis.Types and number of anti-glaucoma medications applied before and after surgery, and the surgical complications were collected.Success rate of surgery was calculated.Complete surgical success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) with a reduction of 20% from baseline without anti-glaucoma medication, no vision-threatening complications, no loss of light perception, and no reoperation.Qualified success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg with a reduction of 20% from baseline with or without anti-glaucoma medication, no vision-threatening complications, no loss of light perception, and no reoperation.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.This research protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (No.2021KYPJ177). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before entering the cohort.

Results

The mean preoperative IOP was (28.81±7.81)mmHg, and the IOP at the end of follow-up was (13.41±4.10)mmHg, showing a statistically significant decrease (t=12.260, P<0.001). The postoperative IOP was decreased by 13.80 (9.10, 19.40)mmHg, with a percentage decrease of 51.1% (38.6%, 67.1%). The mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA was (0.92±0.11) LogMAR and (0.88±0.10) LogMAR, respectively, and no significant difference was found (t=-0.560, P=0.580). The number of anti-glaucoma medications was reduced from 2 (1, 3) before operation to 0 (0, 0) after operation.The complete success rate of surgery was 80% (40/50), and the qualified success rate was 94% (47/50). Surgical complications mainly included hyphema in 7 eyes, IOP spike in 7 eyes, and corneal edema in 3 eyes.No vision-threatening complication occurred.

Conclusions

PEI+ GSL+ GT is preliminarily effective and safe for advanced PACG by reducing IOP and application of anti-glaucoma medications with few complications.