Seven-year follow-up of combined cataract extraction and viscocanalostomy
Wishart, M.S.; Dagres, E.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery 32(12): 2043-2049
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0886-3350 PMID: 17137981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2006.08.035
Accession: 060241534
To investigate the long-term success and complications of phacoemulsification combined with viscocanalostomy (phacoviscocanalostomy) in eyes with coexisting cataract and medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Department of Ophthalmology, Warrington Hospital, Warrington, United Kingdom. A prospective nonrandomized study evaluated 165 consecutive eyes (114 patients) that had phacoviscocanalostomy. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, requirement for topical antiglaucoma medication, and the presence or absence of drainage blebs or bleb complications. The mean follow-up was 38.7 months +/- 19.3 (SD) (range 12 to 90 months). There was a statistically significant decrease in IOP, from 24.1 +/- 5.1 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.8 +/- 8.1 mm Hg 1 day after surgery (P<.001), 16.0 +/- 4.1 mm Hg at 5 years (P<.001), and at all evaluations to the last follow-up. The mean number of medications per eye decreased significantly from 2.5 +/- 0.9 before surgery to 0.1 +/- 0.5 at last follow-up (P<.001). At the final follow-up, IOP was reduced by 33.2% (16.2 mm Hg versus 24.1 mm Hg). Complete success, defined as an IOP reduction of more than 30% from preoperative level without medications, was achieved in 48.5% of eyes, with 42% of eyes having an IOP of less than 16 mm Hg. The percentage fall in IOP was linearly related to the preoperative IOP level (P<.001). No eye developed a trabeculectomy-type bleb, and there were no bleb-related complications. Phacoviscocanalostomy was safe and effective for the management of eyes with coexisting cataract and medically uncontrolled glaucoma. It provided a stable and sustained reduction in IOP with a minimum requirement for topical medication.