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PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes with functioning Baerveldt tube shunts. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis followed 9 eyes of 8 patients with functioning Baerveldt tube shunts who had clear corneal phacoemulsification. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, corneal thickness, visual acuity, and additional glaucoma surgery were measured. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 21 months ± 3 (SD) (range 17 to 25 months). The mean change in IOP and the number of glaucoma medications used did not significantly change at 1 month (P > .19), 1 year (P > .17), or the last follow-up (P > .17). At the last examination, 2 eyes had IOP increases of 2 to 4 mmHg, 3 eyes had no change, and 4 eyes had decreases of 4 to 7 mmHg. Intraocular pressure increased in 1 eye at 8 months and required a tube shunt revision. No eye developed corneal decompensation. Visual acuity improved in 8 eyes; the mean improvement was 4 ± 3 Snellen lines. CONCLUSION: In most cases, phacoemulsification in glaucomatous eyes with a functioning Baerveldt tube shunt improved vision and maintained control of IOP.
Dr. J.C. Erie, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
12.12.3 Phacoemulsification (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment > 12.12 Cataract extraction)