MICS & non-penetrating glaucoma surgery combination okay

Microincisional bimanual phacoemulsification and non-penetrating glaucoma surgery appears to be a safe option for patients with glaucoma and co-existing cataract, according to a Turkish study.

Mehmet Baykara and colleagues from Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey performed microincisional bimanual phacoemulsification with a sleeveless phaco needle and irrigating chopper in combination with non-penetrating glaucoma surgery. Phacoemulsification was performed through two clear corneal incisions in order to spare the viscocanalostomy site from trauma.

The first 12 consecutive eyes of 12 patients who had the combined procedure had significantly lower intraocular pressure. Slit anterior chamber was seen in one eye one day postoperatively and no other complications were observed.

The authors of this study believe that combined microincisional bimanual phaco and non-penetrating glaucoma surgery is an effective option for patients with co-existing glaucoma and cataract.