Posters

Is phacoemulsification combined with viscogonioplasty better than phacoemulsification alone at lowering intraocular pressure in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma?

Poster Details

First Author: L.Hamidovic UK

Co Author(s):    G. Ogbonna   C. Dimitriou                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare the effect of phacoemulsification (Phaco) versus combined phacoemulsification and viscogonioplasty (Phaco-VGP) on intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of IOP-lowering drops required post-operatively, in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

Setting:

The Colchester Eye Centre of Excellence, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

Methods:

This is a retrospective randomised clinical audit including 86 eyes from 50 patients with a diagnosis of primary angle closure or PACG with an underlying cataract who underwent VGP or Phaco-VGP. The data was collated electronically and via accessing medical paper records. An inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. The main outcome measure was IOP reduction at one year follow-up. Secondary outcome measure was the number of IOP-lowering drops used one year post-operatively.

Results:

There was a significant reduction in mean IOP in patients who underwent Phaco-VGP compared to Phaco alone, one year post-operatively. Additionally, patients in the former group were on less IOP-lowering drops than the latter, one year post-operatively.

Conclusions:

Phaco-VGP is a worthwhile intraocular procedure during cataract surgery as optimal treatment to reduce IOP and decrease dependence on drops. Phaco-VGP should become part of the recommended treatment for angle closure glaucoma patients with a coexisting cataract.

Financial Disclosure:

None