The Efficacy of Two Trabecular Bypass Stents Compared to One in the Management of Open-Angle Glaucoma

To compare the outcomes of combined cataract surgery with two trabecular microbypass stents compared to one in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were included. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), postoperative medications, and postoperative adverse events.

The average patient age was 73.2 years. Thirty-nine eyes had phacoemulsification and one stent implanted (Group 1); 30 eyes had phacoemulsification and two stents implanted (Group 2). A significant reduction in mean IOP from baseline to 12 months was noted for both Group 1 (16.67 ± 4.1 mm Hg to 14.45 ± 3.8 mm Hg; p < 0.0251) and Group 2 (18.33 ± 3.99 mm Hg to 14.31 ± 1.8 mm Hg; p < 0.0014). Group 2 had a greater percent decrease in IOP at 12 months than Group 1, but this difference was not statistically significant. Only Group 2 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in medication burden at 12 months. There were no serious complications in either group thought to be caused by the microbypass stents.

Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in IOP at 12 months. Group 2 showed a greater percent decrease in IOP; however, it was not statistically significant. Only Group 2 demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in medication burden.