Phacoemulsification Combined With Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation Versus Phacoemulsification Alone in Primary Angle...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) with coexisting cataract presents a complex management challenge.
• Current treatments aim to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) and preserve vision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Phacoemulsification combined with Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation (Phaco-ECP) versus Phacoemulsification alone in patients with PACG and cataract.
• To evaluate the impact on intraocular pressure and medication requirements.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 66 patients with PACG and cataract.
• Patients were assigned to either Phaco-ECP or Phaco alone.
• Intraocular pressure, medication use, and anterior chamber angle parameters were assessed over 24 months.

Main Results:

• Phaco-ECP group showed a statistically significant reduction in IOP (14.0±2.6 mmHg vs. 15.7±2.2 mmHg at 24 months) and medication number (P=0.02).
• Qualified success (IOP ≤12 mmHg) was achieved in 46.6% of Phaco-ECP patients versus 13.7% in the Phaco alone group (P=0.01).
• Significant widening of anterior chamber angle parameters was observed in the Phaco-ECP group.

Conclusions:

• Phaco-ECP is a superior treatment for PACG with cataract, leading to greater IOP reduction and fewer required medications.
• The combined procedure also promotes beneficial changes in anterior chamber morphology.
• Phaco-ECP demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no absolute failures requiring further surgery in this cohort.