Combined iStent trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation and phacoemulsification for coexistent open-angle glaucoma and cataract: a long-term study.

AIMS: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of combined cataract surgery and Glaukos iStent implantation for coexistent open-angle glaucoma and cataract.

METHODS: Prospective, non-comparative, uncontrolled, non-randomised, interventional case series study. Subjects older than 18 years with coexistent uncontrolled mild or moderate open-angle glaucoma (including pseudoexfoliative and pigmentary) and cataract underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation along with ab-interno gonioscopically guided implantation of one Glaukos iStent. The variables recorded during a minimum of 3 years of follow-up were: intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications and best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS: The 19 patients enrolled were 58-88 years old (mean age 74.6±8.44 years). Mean follow-up was 53.68±9.26 months. Mean IOP was reduced from 19.42±1.89 mm Hg to 16.26±4.23 mm Hg (p=0.002) at the end of follow up, indicating a 16.33% decrease in IOP. The mean number of pressure-lowering medications used by the patients fell from 1.32±0.48 to 0.84±0.89 (p=0.046). In 42% of patients, no antiglaucoma medications were used at the end of follow-up. Mean best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.29±0.13 to 0.62±0.3 (p<0.001). No complications of surgery were observed.

CONCLUSION: Combined cataract surgery and Glaukos iStent implantation seems to be an effective and safe procedure to treat coexistent open-angle glaucoma and cataract.