Purpose:
To report the efficacy and safety of MicroPulse transscleral laser therapy (TLT) and Kahook Dual Blade excisional goniotomy and goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification for chronic angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).
Patients and methods:
A 39-year-old hyperopic female with a known history of ACG presented with a 2-week history of blurry vision, headache, and photophobia in the right eye (RE) following surgical peripheral iridectomy at another hospital. On examination, her uncorrected visual acuity was 20/50 in the RE, and 20/25 in the left eye (LE). Goldman applanation tonometry revealed an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 51 mmHg in the RE and 12 mmHg in the LE. Ocular examination of the RE revealed conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, shallow anterior chamber, posterior synechia, mid-dilated non-reactive pupil, and early cataractous changes. Anterior segment examination findings in the LE were normal except for a shallow anterior chamber. Gonioscopy revealed a closed angle (Schaffer grade 0) with 360° peripheral anterior synechia in the RE and a narrow angle (Schaffer grade 2) in the LE. The cup-to-disc ratios were 0.5 RE and 0.3 LE. The patient underwent MicroPulse TLT with phacoemulsification, Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis, and excisional goniotomy in the RE.
Results:
At the 1-year follow-up, her IOP remained stable without the need for antiglaucoma medications. No further optic nerve or visual field deterioration was noted.
Conclusion:
MicroPulse TLT combined with phacoemulsification and Kahook Dual Blade-assisted goniosynechialysis and excisional goniotomy safely reduced IOP and the need for antiglaucoma medications in chronic ACG, avoiding the complications associated with incisional glaucoma surgery.