PURPOSE: To determine whether combined cataract surgery with endoscopic laser cycloablation produces less inflammation than cataract surgery combined with a filtering procedure. SETTING:Taylor Regional Hospital (surgeries) and EyeSight Associates (examinations), Warner Robins, Georgia, USA. METHODS: A randomized prospective study was conducted of 58 eyes of 58 patients comparingendoscopic laser cycloablation performed through a cataract incision at the time of cataract surgery with combined trabeculectomy and cataract surgery. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 2 years. At the final available visit, 30% of endoscopic laser patients achieved intraocular pressure control (below 19 mm Hg) without medication and 65% with medication. Forty percent of trabeculectomy patients achieved control without medication and 52% with medication. Four endoscopic laser patients (14%) and 3 trabeculectomy patients (10%) were considered treatment failures (required additional surgical intervention). CONCLUSION:Endoscopic laser cycloablation performed through a cataract incision was a reasonably safe and effective alternative to combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery, providing an option for cataract patients who have glaucoma requiring surgical intervention.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To determine whether combined cataract surgery with endoscopic laser cycloablation produces less inflammation than cataract surgery combined with a filtering procedure. SETTING: Taylor Regional Hospital (surgeries) and EyeSight Associates (examinations), Warner Robins, Georgia, USA. METHODS: A randomized prospective study was conducted of 58 eyes of 58 patients comparing endoscopic laser cycloablation performed through a cataract incision at the time of cataract surgery with combined trabeculectomy and cataract surgery. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 2 years. At the final available visit, 30% of endoscopic laser patients achieved intraocular pressure control (below 19 mm Hg) without medication and 65% with medication. Forty percent of trabeculectomy patients achieved control without medication and 52% with medication. Four endoscopic laser patients (14%) and 3 trabeculectomy patients (10%) were considered treatment failures (required additional surgical intervention). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic laser cycloablation performed through a cataract incision was a reasonably safe and effective alternative to combined cataract and trabeculectomy surgery, providing an option for cataractpatients who have glaucoma requiring surgical intervention.