Nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy versus trabeculectomy in bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy and safety of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy versus trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-nine patients (78 eyes) with bilateral primary open angle glaucoma were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Eyes were randomly assigned to receive deep sclerectomy in one eye and trabeculectomy in the other eye. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean intraocular pressure (IOP), postoperative medications, visual acuity, success rate, and complications. RESULTS: At 12 months, mean IOP reduction was 12.3 +/- 4.2 (sclerectomy) versus 14.1 +/- 6.4 mmHg (trabeculectomy) (P = 0.15), and an IOP

Simultaneous subconjunctival and subscleral mitomycin-C application in trabeculectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy and safety of simultaneous subconjunctival and subscleral application of mitomycin-C in trabeculectomy. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight patients (68 eyes) with refractory glaucomas were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Eyes were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative mitomycin-C (0.3 mg/ml) applied under the conjunctival flap (group 1), scleral flap (group 2), or under both flaps (group 3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean intraocular pressure (IOP), postoperative medications, visual acuity, filtering bleb appearance, and complications. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in IOP at 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery among the three groups (P = 0.021, 0.026, and 0.033, respectively ANOVA). At 12 months, the mean IOP in group 3 was 9.8+/-3.7 mm Hg compared with 13.4+/-5.5 mm Hg in group 2. (P = 0.015) and 12.4+/-4.4 mm Hg in group 1 (P = 0.039). Success rate (21 mm Hg or less), number of antiglaucoma medications, and complications showed no statistical significant difference between the three groups at each postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin-C applied under the scleral flap may have an additional beneficial effect when combined with simultaneous subconjunctival exposure.

Phacotrabeculectomy versus two-stage operation: a matched study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens, combined with trabeculectomy (phacotrabeculectomy) in patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 53 consecutive eyes which underwent phacotrabeculectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) were matched and compared with 53 eyes that had trabeculectomy followed by phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (mean interval 3.2 month). The 2 groups were first matched by diagnostic group and subsequently for the closest possible match with other successive variables, including age, gender, race and preoperative glaucoma medications. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, visual acuity, antiglaucoma medications, and surgical success as well as complications were compared in both groups. RESULTS: Mean IOP reduction was 14.5+/-4.1 mmHg in the two-stage group compared to 15.1+/-3.9 in the phacotrabeculectomy group at 6 months follow-up (P<0.1) and 13.8+/-3.9 and 14.6+/-3.7 respectively at 1 year (P<0.1). Visual acuity and complications were comparable. CONCLUSION: Phacotrabeculectomy provides IOP control statistically comparable to two-stage surgery with earlier visual rehabilitation.

Fornix-based versus limbal-based conjunctival flaps in initial trabeculectomy with postoperative 5-fluorouracil: four-year follow-up findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fornix-based conjunctival flap versus limbal-based flap in initial trabeculectomy with postoperative 5-fluorouracil. METHODS: 29 patients (58 eyes) with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to have a fornix-based conjunctival flap in one eye and a limbal-based flap in the other, followed by subconjunctival injection of 5-fluorouracil. RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) 2 years after treatment was 12.9 +/- 12.25 mmHg in eyes with fornix-based conjunctival flaps and 13.1 +/- 16.81 mmHg in eyes with limbal-based conjunctival flaps. At 4 years, mean IOP was 14.7 +/- 9.61 mmHg in eyes with fornix-based conjunctival flaps and 15.1 +/- 7.29 mmHg in eyes with limbal-based conjunctival flaps. Cumulative success at 4 years (IOP < 21 mmHg) was 89.6% in eyes with fornix-based conjunctival flaps versus 86.2% in eyes with limbal-based conjunctival flaps with medications. Cystic leaking blebs occurred in two cases, both with limbal-based flaps. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of limbal- and fornix-based conjunctival flaps in initial trabeculectomy with postoperative 5-fluorouracil was not significantly different; however, in this study cystic leaking blebs were encountered only in eyes with limbal-based conjunctival flaps.

One-site versus 2-site phacotrabeculectomy: a randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare 1-site and 2-site combined phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and trabeculectomy. SETTING: El-Maghraby Eye Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Seventy-six eyes with coexisting cataract and glaucoma were randomly assigned to have a mitomycin-C trabeculectomy in a superior quadrant combined with phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation through the same incision (1-site group) or a separate, temporal, clear corneal incision (2-site group). Postoperative evaluation included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), bleb assessment, and number of antiglaucoma medications. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 18 months. RESULTS: Mean preoperative IOP was 28.1 mm Hg +/- 7.1 (SD) in the 2-site group and 26.2 +/- 6.5 mm Hg in the 1-site group. At 6 months postoperatively, mean IOP was 16.9 +/- 4.3 and 16.8 +/- 3.8 mm Hg, respectively (P = .9) and at 12 months, 17.6 +/- 3.3 and 19.1 +/- 3.1 mm Hg, respectively (P = .044). Twenty-three of 39 eyes (59%) in the 2-site group and 14 of 37 (38%) in the 1-site group had clinically apparent filtering blebs at 12 months (P = .065). Postoperative astigmatic change and complications were comparable. CONCLUSION: Mitomycin-C trabeculectomy superiorly combined with separate temporal clear corneal phacoemulsification provided 1 year IOP control comparable to that with single-incision (1-site) combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.

The contribution of phacoemulsification to combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.

The refinements of small incision cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation and the pharmacologic modulation of wound healing have brought new options for the combined procedure. Phacoemulsification combined with filtering surgery has the potential advantage of requiring a smaller conjunctival and scleral incision, which may reduce inflammation and bleb scarring with the possibility of enhanced bleb formation and long-term intraocular pressure control. The smaller phacoemulsification incision also helps to reduce postoperative astigmatism and improve visual results. Following combined phacoemulsification and filtering surgery, a larger area of undisturbed or virginal tissue in the conjunctiva and at the limbus is spared for further glaucoma surgeries or revision if the initial procedure fails. The risk of suprachoroidal hemorrhage during phacoemulsification in this susceptible group of patients is minimized by maintaining a closed chamber during the procedure.

Lens capsule inclusion in trabeculectomy with cataract extraction.

PURPOSE: To deliberately include a flap of anterior lens capsule in the trabeculectomy site to determine whether it aids filtration in a glaucoma bleb. SETTING: El-Maghraby Eye Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study comprised 23 consecutive patients (25 eyes) with dense cataract and uncontrolled glaucoma despite maximum medical therapy. Combined trabeculectomy, planned extracapsular cataract extraction, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and inclusion of the anterior lens capsule under the trabeculectomy scleral flap were performed. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 72 months. RESULTS: All eyes had improved visual acuity mainly because of cataract removal. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in 20 eyes ranged from 20/40 to 20/20. A diffuse filtration bleb was achieved in most cases. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 20 mm Hg or less in 80% of eyes. Five eyes required additional topical timolol therapy. None required additional carbonic anhydrase inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSION: The combined procedure appeared to be a sound method of providing visual rehabilitation and adequate IOP control. The use of the capsular wick seemed to help maintain glaucoma filtration.

Transscleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in the absence of capsular support.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified technique of transscleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) in the management of unilateral aphakia and in cases of IOL exchange. SETTING: El-Maghraby Eye Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 41 eyes of 41 patients who had transscleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL using a modified technique. Of these patients, 36 had unilateral aphakia and 5 had pseudophakia requiring lens exchange. Patient age ranged from 40 to 80 years. Follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all patients. Best corrected visual acuity was unchanged in 87.8% of patients, improved by two to four Snellen lines in 9.8%, and decreased by one or two Snellen lines in 2.4%. Most complications were minor and managed medically; only two patients required further surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Our modified technique is safe and effective. We recommend evaluation of longer term results.

Effect of incision size on early postoperative visual rehabilitation after cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

One hundred fifty-one unilateral cataract patients were randomly assigned to receive either a one-piece Staar AA-4203 silicone intraocular lens inserted through a 3.5 mm incision, an loptex 5 mm x 6 mm oval optic lens inserted through a 5.5 mm incision, or an AMO three-piece modified C-loop 6.0 round optic poly(methyl methacrylate) lens inserted through a 6.5 mm incision. Follow-up was 97% at two days postoperatively and 84% at one week and two months postoperatively. At one week postoperatively, 62% of 3.5 mm incision cases had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared with 33% of 5.5 mm (P < .01) and 43% of 6.5 mm incision cases. At two months postoperatively, 85% of 3.5 mm incision cases had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared with 64% of 6.5 mm (P < .05) and 71% of 5.5 mm incision cases. The 3.5 mm incision cases had significantly less total keratometric cylinder than other cases at all postoperative examinations (P < or = .001) and less surgically induced cylinder at two days and one week post-operatively (P < or = .02). The 5.5 mm and 6.5 mm incision cases did not differ significantly in visual acuity or astigmatism at any examination.

The use of releasable sutures in Molteno glaucoma implant procedures to reduce postoperative hypotony.

We used releasable sutures to minimize immediate postoperative hypotony and flat anterior chamber in 19 cases of refractory glaucoma requiring insertion of a single-plate Molteno implant in a one-stage procedure. A slip knot using 7-0 nylon suture was fashioned around the Molteno tube under a lamellar scleral flap. In 18 of the 19 eyes, anterior chamber depth was normal immediately after surgery.

Use of therapeutic ultrasound to restore failed trabeculectomies.

We treated 20 recently postoperative eyes with nonfunctioning trabeculectomies at the site of the failed bleb with two to four ultrasound applications, each of five seconds duration, at an intensity level of 10 kW/cm2. Fifteen of the eyes demonstrated a long-term decrease in intraocular pressure to 21 mm Hg or below. The mean intraocular pressure of all patients fell from a preultrasound mean (+/- S.D.) of 32 +/- 8 mm Hg to 20 +/- 10 mm Hg at a mean time of 236 +/- 204 days postultrasound. Complications included an immediate postultrasound rise in pressure over 10 mm Hg in 13 eyes, and the immediate development of a cataract in one patient.