Three-year outcomes of combined trabecular micro-bypass and phacoemulsification in a predominantly Hispanic population with primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose: To present long-term, real-world outcomes after implanting one trabecular micro-bypass stent with cataract surgery for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a predominantly Hispanic patient population. Patients and methods: This retrospective, consecutive case series evaluated intraocular pressure (IOP), medications, and safety through 36 months after implanting one iStent(®) during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Eyes were stratified into 2 subgroups classified by preoperative IOP and surgical goal. The Controlled Group had IOP <18 mmHg on ≥1 medications, and goal to reduce medications. The Uncontrolled Group had IOP ≥18 mmHg and/or maximum tolerated medication load, and goal to reduce IOP. Assessments included IOP, medications, visual fields (VF), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), adverse events, and secondary surgeries. Results: Of 168 total operated eyes, 87 eyes (49 Controlled, 38 Uncontrolled) completed 36 months of follow-up and comprise the Consistent Cohort in this report. At baseline, 79.6% (39/49) of Controlled eyes and 71.1% (27/38) of Uncontrolled eyes were from Hispanic patients. In the Controlled Group desiring medication reduction, mean medications were reduced by 77.3% (2.6 medications preoperatively vs 0.6 at 36 months; p<0.001. All Controlled eyes maintained or reduced medications versus preoperative; no eyes were on ≥3 medications (vs 61.2% preoperatively); and 58.3% were medication-free (vs 0% preoperatively). In the Uncontrolled Group desiring IOP reduction, mean IOP decreased by 31.2% (19.4 mmHg preoperatively vs 13.4 mmHg at 36 months; p<0.001), 91.7% of eyes achieved IOP ≤18 mmHg, 69.4% reached IOP ≤15 mmHg, and 77.8% decreased IOP ≥20% vs baseline. Uncontrolled eyes also experienced a 45.3% medication reduction (2.2 medications preoperatively vs 1.2 at 36 months; p<0.001). Favorable safety included no intraoperative complications, and stable VF and RNFL through 36 months. Conclusion: In this predominantly Hispanic patient cohort, significant IOP and medication reductions were sustained safely through 36 months after iStent implantation during cataract surgery.