Refractive outcomes after trabecular microbypass stent with cataract extraction in open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) management often requires reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Cataract surgery is frequently performed in patients with OAG.
• Trabecular microbypass stents offer a minimally invasive option for IOP reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of combining trabecular microbypass stents with cataract surgery on refractive outcomes.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this combined approach in OAG patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, comparative case series included 76 eyes with OAG undergoing combined trabecular microbypass stent implantation and cataract surgery.
• A control group of 50 eyes underwent cataract extraction only.
• Data on spherical equivalent, astigmatism, IOP, and glaucoma medications were collected for 6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Refractive outcomes, including spherical equivalent and astigmatism, were similar between the combined surgery group and the cataract-only group.
• The combined surgery group experienced a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and a decrease in the number of glaucoma medications.
• Mean IOP reduction ranged from 3.4 to 4.0 mmHg, and the mean decrease in glaucoma medications was up to 0.9 at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Trabecular microbypass stents are refractively neutral when combined with cataract surgery.
• The combined procedure effectively lowers IOP and reduces medication dependence in OAG patients.
• This approach provides a viable option for patients needing both glaucoma and cataract management.