Efficacy and Safety of Cataract Surgery-Assisted Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and safety of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) with same-day cataract surgery which we named cataract surgery-assisted selective laser trabeculoplasty (CAST) compared to conventional SLT and cataract surgery as standalone procedures. METHODS: Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataract were included in this prospective interventional study. All patients received either a CAST procedure, standard SLT, or standard cataract surgery. IOP was assessed at baseline and at months 1, 2, 3, and 6. Topical IOP-lowering medication was canceled during the follow-up if necessary. RESULTS: Twenty-nine, twenty-seven, and thirty eyes received the CAST procedure, SLT, and standard cataract surgery, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in age, male-to-female ratio, or baseline IOP between groups (P > 0.05). The mean IOP reduction at 6 months after the CAST procedure, SLT, and standard cataract surgery was −7.3 ± 3.8 mmHg, −3.8 ± 3.7 mmHg, and −0.7 ± 3.7 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001). Eleven out of 29 (37.9%) and 5 out of 27 (18.5%) eyes achieved 30% reduction of IOP after the CAST procedure and SLT, respectively. No eyes achieved 30% reduction of IOP at the end of the follow-up in cataract surgery group. The median number of IOP-lowering medications cancelled after the CAST procedure was 1.0 (range, 0–3). No antiglaucoma medication was cancelled after SLT or cataract surgery. No adverse events were registered in patients who received the CAST procedure. CONCLUSION: At 6-month follow-up, the CAST procedure had a significantly greater IOP-lowering effect and reduction of topical antiglaucoma medication than SLT or cataract surgery alone.