Phacotrabeculectomy:results of 2.8mm scleral tunnel incision

Abstract:

AIM:To report the results of phacotrabeculectomy with 2.8mm scleral tunnel incision.METHODS:Phacotrabeculectomy was performed through an identical 2.8mm scleral tunnel incision in 52 eyes of 49 patients with cataract and glaucoma.The incision was closed with out suture.Foldable intraocular lens was implanted in all eyes.RESULTS:The control of intraocular pressure on 36 eyes was desirable.The average postoperative intraocular pressure was(8.24±3.61)mmHg,(13.22±4.12) mmHg,(12.11±4.23)mmHg and(12.59±4.26)mmHg at one week,one month,three months and six months.As compared with 56 eyes in which phacotrabeculectomy was performed with 5.5mm scleral tunnel sutureless incision,there was no statistical difference,between the two,regarding the mean postoperative intraocular pressure at six months(t=1.7536,P=0.08239).The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was not statistically different between the preoperative and postoperative times in one year in 26 eyes.The uncorrected postoperative visual activity was 0.8 or better in 62% of 52 eyes.CONCLUSION:The advantages of this operative method are minimal size scleral flap,smaller and sutureless incision,immediate chamber restoration,decrease in postoperative astigmatism,enhanced postoperative visual activity,reduced postoperative inflammatory response and complications.

Key words:scleral tunnel small incision;phaco;trabeculectomy