Angle‐based minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in normal tension glaucoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis systematic review and meta‐analysis quantitatively examines the efficacy of angle‐based minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) in normal tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsA literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Library from inception until 20 December 2022. Pilot, cohort, observational studies and randomised controlled trials including at least 5 subjects undergoing angle‐based MIGS (trabecular‐bypass devices, excisional trabeculotomy, goniotomy and ab‐interno canaloplasty) for NTG, with or without cataract surgery, were included. Meta‐analysis of continuous outcome using the meta routine in R version 2022.12.0+353 was performed to determine mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and anti‐glaucoma medication (AGM) reduction post‐operatively.ResultsOf the 846 studies initially identified, 15 studies with a pooled total of 367 eyes which underwent combined phacoemulsification and angle‐based MIGS were included for final meta‐analysis. Outcomes of the iStent were reported in 5 studies, iStent inject in 7 studies, Hydrus Microstent in 1 study, Kahook Dual Blade in 3 studies, and Trabectome in 2 studies. There was significant reduction in both IOP and AGM post‐operatively at 6 months (2.44 mmHg, 95%CI: 1.83–3.06; 1.21 AGM, 95%CI: 0.99–1.44), 12 months (2.28 mmHg, 95%CI: 1.71–2.84; 1.18 AGM, 95%CI: 0.90–1.47), 24 months (2.10 mmHg, 95%CI: 1.51–2.68; 1.26 AGM, 95%CI: 0.85–1.68) and 36 months (2.43 mmHg, 95%CI: 1.71–3.15, 0.87 AGM, 95%CI: 0.21–1.53) (all p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis on combined phacoemulsification‐iStent inject surgery demonstrated a reduction in both IOP (2.31 mmHg, 95%CI: 1.07–3.56, p < 0.001) and AGM (1.07 AGM, 95%CI: 0.86–1.29, p < 0.001) at 12 months post‐operatively.ConclusionsAngle‐based MIGS combined with phacoemulsification effectively reduces IOP and AGM in NTG eyes for up to 36 months after surgery.