Article Test

Aims: To compare the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification combined with two individual kinds of trabecular bypass micro-stent device insertion. This study compares Phacoemulsification with Hydrus stent versus phacoemulsification combined with I-Stent inject W in patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Material and Methods: A retrospective comparative case series.

Results: Eighty eyes of 75 patients with 2 years completed follow-up after combined phacoemulsification with trabecular by-pass stent (s) were included. Forty eyes of 37 patients had Hydrus stent (Hydrus Group-PH) and the other 40 eyes of 38 patients had I-stent inject W (I-stent Group-Pi) insertion combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Patient demographics and preoperative characteristics of the two groups studied are comparable. A post-operative decrease of 20 percentage or more in the IOP was achieved in 33 eyes (82.5%) in PH group and 30 eyes (75%) in Pi group (p=0.57). The Hydrus group (PH) had a post-operative reduction in the mean number of medications in 22 eyes (55%) in comparison to 18 eyes (45%) in the I-stent group (Pi). Second stage trabeculectomy was avoided in 31 eyes (77.5%) in the Hydrus group and 27 eyes (67.5%). There was no significant difference in rate of complications between two groups.

Conclusion: Both Hydrus stent and I-stent inject W combined with phacoemulsification and intra-ocular lens implantation, are efficacious and safe for treating patients with medically uncontrolled mild and moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The reduction in the mean IOP and in the mean number of post-operative glaucoma medications was higher for the patients in Hydrus stent group than in I-stent inject W group.