Effectiveness of early lens extraction for the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (EAGLE): a randomised controlled trial

Augusto Azuara-Blanco,Jennifer Burr,Craig Ramsay,David Cooper,Paul J Foster,David S Friedman,Graham Scotland,Mehdi Javanbakht,Claire Cochrane,John Norrie

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(16)30956-4

Abstract

Primary angle-closure glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In early-stage disease, intraocular pressure is raised without visual loss. Because the crystalline lens has a major mechanistic role, lens extraction might be a useful initial treatment. From Jan 8, 2009, to Dec 28, 2011, we enrolled patients from 30 hospital eye services in five countries. Randomisation was done by a web-based application. Patients were assigned to undergo clear-lens extraction or receive standard care with laser peripheral iridotomy and topical medical treatment. Eligible patients were aged 50 years or older, did not have cataracts, and had newly diagnosed primary angle closure with intraocular pressure 30 mm Hg or greater or primary angle-closure glaucoma. The co-primary endpoints were patient-reported health status, intraocular pressure, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life-year gained 36 months after treatment. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN44464607. Of 419 participants enrolled, 155 had primary angle closure and 263 primary angle-closure glaucoma. 208 were assigned to clear-lens extraction and 211 to standard care, of whom 351 (84%) had complete data on health status and 366 (87%) on intraocular pressure. The mean health status score (0·87 [SD 0·12]), assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire, was 0·052 higher (95% CI 0·015-0·088, p=0·005) and mean intraocular pressure (16·6 [SD 3·5] mm Hg) 1·18 mm Hg lower (95% CI -1·99 to -0·38, p=0·004) after clear-lens extraction than after standard care. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £14 284 for initial lens extraction versus standard care. Irreversible loss of vision occurred in one participant who underwent clear-lens extraction and three who received standard care. No patients had serious adverse events. Clear-lens extraction showed greater efficacy and was more cost-effective than laser peripheral iridotomy, and should be considered as an option for first-line treatment. Medical Research Council.

Highlights

WHO ranks glaucoma as the leading cause of irreversible blindness,[1] and prevalence is expected to increase substantially: compared with 20 million people who have primary angle-closure glaucoma by 2040, 34 million people will be affected, of whom 5⋅3 million will be blind.[2]
The mean health status score (0·87 [SD 0·12]), assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions questionnaire, was 0·052 higher and mean intraocular pressure (16·6 [SD 3·5] mm Hg) 1·18 mm Hg lower after clear-lens extraction than after standard care
Primary open-angle glaucoma is more common, primary angle-closure glaucoma is more severe and more likely to result in irreversible blindness if not properly treated

Summary

Introduction

WHO ranks glaucoma as the leading cause of irreversible blindness,[1] and prevalence is expected to increase substantially: compared with 20 million people who have primary angle-closure glaucoma by 2040, 34 million people will be affected, of whom 5⋅3 million will be blind.[2].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion