Long-term surgical results of combined trabeculotomy ab externo and cataract extraction

Trabeculotomy ab externo has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with either primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation syndrome. We evaluated the surgical outcome of 60 eyes with either primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation syndrome that underwent combined trabeculotomy ab externo and cataract extraction. All patients were at least 40 years old, and were followed for at least 1 year. At the final examination, IOP was well controlled (21 mm Hg or less) in 54 (90%) of the 60 eyes, with or without medication. Also, "overall success" (ie, stabilization of IOP, visual field, and optic nerve status) was achieved in 49 (81.7%). Complications included fibrin exudation (22%), transient IOP elevation (17%), early perforation of the probe into the anterior chamber (10%), and detachment of Descemet's membrane (5%). We recommend combined trabeculotomy ab externo and cataract extraction in selected cases of glaucoma with coexisting cataract. For cases in which the target IOP level is in the low teens, or for patients who may not tolerate postoperative fluctuations in IOP, we do not recommend trabeculotomy ab externo. Also, in eyes that have normal-tension glaucoma, or that have already sustained severe damage to the optic nerve, visual dysfunction caused by glaucomatous changes may progress even after successful combined trabeculotomy ab externo and cataract extraction.