Does phacoemulsification affect the long-term success of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Phaco non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (PhacoNPDS) is an option to simultaneously treat cataract and glaucoma. The authors assessed tensional success of PhacoNPDS and NPDS up to 3 years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal consecutive retrospective study was conducted comparing 376 eyes undergoing NPDS (group 1) and 87 eyes undergoing PhacoNPDS (group 2). Success was defined as complete 1 (intraocular pressure [IOP] < 21 mm Hg without medication); complete 2 (at least a 20% reduction of preoperative IOP without medication), and qualified (IOP < 21 mm Hg with or without medication). RESULTS: Preoperative IOP and number of medications were 23.7 and 2.7 in group 1 and 23.1 and 2.6 in group 2, respectively. Postoperative IOP (3 years) was 13.1 mm Hg in group 1 and 13.4 mm Hg in group 2 (P = .000). Complete 1, complete 2, and qualified success in 3 years were 57.5%, 53.7%, and 94.5% in group 1 and 56.1%, 56.1%, and 100% in group 2, respectively (P = .861, .772, and .159). Final number of medications was 0.5 in group 1 and 0.3 in group 2. CONCLUSION: PhacoNPDS seems to achieve similar tensional results as NPDS alone up to 3 years of follow-up.