Outcomes of 360° suture trabeculotomy with deep sclerectomy combined with cataract surgery for primary open angle glaucoma and coexisting cataract

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment outcomes in 360° suture trabeculotomy with deep sclerectomy combined with phacoemulsification and aspiration and intraocular lens implantation (360P-LOT + DS). METHODS Thirty-two eyes in 32 consecutive patients treated by 360P-LOT + DS for primary open angle glaucoma with coexisting cataracts at Sato Eye Clinic from March 2011 to April 2013 were retrospectively compared with 23 eyes in 23 consecutive patients treated by cataract surgery and 120° trabeculotomy with deep sclerectomy (120P-LOT + DS) at the same clinic from January 2010 to February 2011. The parameters investigated during the 15 months after surgery were the course of intraocular pressure, number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity, and complications. RESULTS Both groups showed a significant decrease in intraocular pressure starting at one month after surgery when compared with values before surgery. At 3, 6, 9, and 15 months after surgery, the intraocular pressure was significantly lower and the survival rate was significantly higher in the 360P-LOT + DS group compared with the 120P-LOT + DS group. The number of antiglaucoma medications, best-corrected visual acuity value, and complications did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION Although the complications are similar to those seen in 120P-LOT + DS, treatment of primary open angle glaucoma and coexisting cataracts using 360P-LOT + DS may yield better outcomes.