Posters

A comparison of endothelial cell loss following minimally-invasive glaucoma surgery: medium-term follow-up

Poster Details

First Author: A.Hamroush UK

Co Author(s):    C. Sivapthasuntharam   S. Murthy                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery on endothelial cells by comparing specular microscopy cell counts in two groups of patients (combined iStent-phaco and combined cypass-phaco), in comparison to phacoemulsification surgery only.

Setting:

New Cross Hospital Wolverhampton UK.

Methods:

Three groups of patients with primary open angle glaucoma who underwent either combined iStent-phaco, combined cypass-phaco or phacoemulsification surgery alone, were compared (single experienced cataract and glaucoma surgeon). Patients were excluded who had previous ocular surgery or any condition which might affect the corneal endothelium such as Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy. Specular microscopy (Nidek CEM 530) images were obtained 6 to 12 months post-operatively. The endothelial cell count, the number of hexagonal cells and co-efficient of variation were compared.

Results:

Groups were similar in terms of demographic details and the length of follow up. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups during the specified time period.

Conclusions:

There are limitations to this study including short follow up and small sample size. However, it is known that the Cypass stent causes endothelial cell loss by 4 years and this also be a concern in other types of MIGS. We suggest that specular microscopy be undertaken before surgery to identify patients at risk and patients who are at risk of significant cell loss do not undergo these types of surgery.

Financial Disclosure:

None