Short-Term Intraocular Pressure Elevations after Combined Phacoemulsification and Implantation of Two Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stents: Prednisolone versus Loteprednol

Abstract EN

Objective.

To compare the effects of prednisolone and of loteprednol after combined phacoemulsification and trabecular micro-bypass stent implantation (phaco-iStent).

Methods.

Patients who underwent phaco-iStent between April 2013 and November 2014 were identified by retrospective chart review.

Postoperatively, they received either prednisolone (n=38) or loteprednol (n=58).

Baseline data was compared.

Primary outcomes including intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications (NGM) were analyzed at preoperative visit, postoperative day 1, weeks 1-2, weeks 3-4, and months 2-3.

Results.

Both groups had similar preoperative parameters (p>0.05).

The mean IOP spike occurred at postoperative weeks 1-2 with an increase of 2.21 ± 7.30 mmHg in the loteprednol group and 2.54 ± 9.28 mmHg in the prednisolone group.

It decreased by weeks 3-4 in both groups and continued to improve at months 2-3.

NGM showed significant reduction (p<0.0001) after the surgery and remained stable in both groups.

No significant group effect or time-group interaction in IOP and NGM evolution was detected (p>0.05).

The proportions of patients needing paracentesis were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion.

Similar early IOP elevations after combined phaco-iStent occurred with both prednisolone and loteprednol.

Facilitated glucocorticoid infusion, altered aqueous humor outflow, and local inflammation may be contributing factors.