Refractive Outcomes for Combined Phacoemulsification and Glaucoma Drainage Procedure

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Cataract extraction and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery are often combined to manage coexisting conditions.
• Evaluating refractive outcomes is crucial for patient satisfaction and visual function after such procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the refractive results of combined cataract extraction and GDD implantation.
• To identify factors influencing refractive outcomes in these combined surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 42 eyes of 38 patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and GDD surgery (Baerveldt or Ahmed valve).
• The primary outcome was achieving a spherical equivalent (SE) within ±1D of the target refraction at 3-6 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Refractive outcomes within ±1D of target SE were achieved in 71.43% (30/42 eyes) of patients.
• Eyes with postoperative SE outside ±1D had a significantly longer mean axial length (25.37 mm) compared to those within ±1D (23.34 mm).
• Induced corneal astigmatism averaged 0.52D, and other factors like age and intraocular pressure did not significantly impact refractive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Combined cataract and GDD surgery can yield favorable refractive outcomes within ±1D of target in the majority of patients.
• Longer axial length is identified as a risk factor for refractive outcomes deviating more than 1.00D from the target refraction.