Combined trabeculectomy and cataract operation. A follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Glaucoma and cataracts often coexist, necessitating combined surgical approaches.
• Trabeculectomy is a common surgical intervention for glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery.
• To identify factors influencing success rates in glaucoma patients undergoing this combined procedure.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 94 patients with open-angle simplex or capsular glaucoma and coexisting cataracts.
• Follow-up ranged from 1 to 9 years, assessing intraocular pressure control and need for post-surgical therapy.

Main Results:

• Overall intraocular pressure control (≤21 mm Hg) without therapy was achieved in 65% of eyes.
• Success rates varied by follow-up duration, decreasing from 76% at 1 year to 63% at 2 years.
• Transient hypotony (37%) and hyphaema (30%) were common complications but did not significantly affect long-term success.

Conclusions:

• The maintenance of filtration is the most critical factor for successful outcomes.
• Combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery offers a viable option for managing coexisting glaucoma and cataracts.
• Periodic patient observation is crucial for monitoring long-term outcomes and managing potential complications.