Five years follow-up of CO2 laser assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in open angle glaucoma patients: a multi-center study report

Session Details

Session Title: Glaucoma I

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/09/2015 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 10:16

Venue: Room 10

First Author: : N.Geffen ISRAEL

Co Author(s): :    M. Mimouni   E. Assia                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of CO2 Laser Assisted Sclerectomy Surgery (CLASS) in primary and pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma.

Setting:

A prospective, single-arm, non-randomized clinical trial at 9 centers worldwide.

Methods:

Candidates for primary filtration surgery with POAG or PEXG, with baseline IOP higher than18 mmHg on maximal treatment were included. The CLASS procedure (“IOPtiMate”; IOPtima Ltd, Israel) was performed. A half- thickness scleral flap was created and the CO2 laser was used to achieve deep scleral ablation and un-roofing of Schlemm's Canal. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and use of medications were collected at baseline and up to 5 years follow up. Complete success was defined as 5≤ IOP≤ 18 mmHg and 20% IOP reduction with no medications, and qualified success with or without medications. All adverse events were recorded

Results:

111 consecutive eyes were enrolled, 11 excluded. Mean age was 69.3 ± 12.8 years, 73.9% were Caucasians. IOP was reduced from 25.8±5.4mmHg to 13.5±4.0mmHg, 14.2±2.9mmHg and 14.1±3.1mmHg at 1, 3 and 5 years follow up, respectively. The qualified success rates after 1, 3 and 5 years were 79.6%, 86.7% and 80.0%, respectively. The average number of medications dropped from 2.41±1.25 to 0.5±0.8, 0.7±0.9 and 0.9±0.8 at 1, 3 and 5 years follow up respectively (P < 0.001). No technical device malfunctions occurred. Complications were mostly mild and transitory with no significant sequela.

Conclusions:

Long term results suggest that CLASS procedure is a safe, effective, and simple technique for treating patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Financial Interest:

One of the authors research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented