Combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures versus phacoemulsification with clinical outcomes in primary glaucoma coexisting with cataracts: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - Report - MDSpire

Combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures versus phacoemulsification with clinical outcomes in primary glaucoma coexisting with cataracts: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • By

  • Tangshou Xie

  • Wenrong Rao

  • Xi Liu

  • Yuanyi Li

  • Jie Zhu

  • June 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Comparative Analysis of Combined Phacoemulsification Techniques

Overview

This meta-analysis evaluates the outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering versus phacoemulsification alone in patients with primary glaucoma and cataracts. The findings indicate that while combined procedures significantly reduce intraocular pressure and the need for anti-glaucoma medications, they are associated with a higher rate of complications.

Background

The management of patients with both primary glaucoma and cataracts presents unique surgical challenges. Combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures aim to address both conditions simultaneously, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Understanding the efficacy and safety of these surgical techniques is crucial for optimizing patient care and surgical decision-making.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'columns': ['Outcome', 'Combined Procedure', 'Phacoemulsification Alone', 'Mean Difference (MD)', 'P-value'], 'rows': [{'Outcome': 'Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA)', 'Combined Procedure': 'Lower Effect', 'Phacoemulsification Alone': 'Higher Effect', 'Mean Difference (MD)': '0.07', 'P-value': '0.03'}, {'Outcome': 'Intraocular Pressure (IOP)', 'Combined Procedure': 'Reduced', 'Phacoemulsification Alone': 'Higher', 'Mean Difference (MD)': '-1.98', 'P-value': '<0.0001'}, {'Outcome': 'Need for Anti-Glaucoma Medications (AGMs)', 'Combined Procedure': 'Reduced', 'Phacoemulsification Alone': 'Higher', 'Mean Difference (MD)': '-0.69', 'P-value': '<0.0001'}, {'Outcome': 'Complications', 'Combined Procedure': 'Higher Rate', 'Phacoemulsification Alone': 'Lower Rate', 'Mean Difference (MD)': 'RR = 2.66', 'P-value': '<0.00001'}]}}

Key Findings

  • Combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to phacoemulsification alone.
  • There is a significant reduction in the need for anti-glaucoma medications (AGMs) with combined procedures.
  • Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement is less pronounced in combined procedures without mitomycin C (MMC).
  • Combined procedures are associated with a higher rate of complications compared to phacoemulsification alone.
  • Subgroup analyses indicate varying outcomes based on follow-up duration and angle status.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should weigh the benefits of reduced IOP and medication needs against the increased risk of complications when considering combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures. Individualized surgical planning is essential, taking into account the patient's specific glaucoma and cataract status.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that while combined phacoemulsification and angle filtering procedures offer significant advantages in managing IOP and medication requirements, they also come with increased complication rates. Careful patient selection and surgical strategy are vital.

Related Resources & Content

  1. X. Liu, Y. Li, T. Xie, Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Comparative Analysis of Combined Phacoemulsification Techniques
  2. Karen Blum, Ophthalmology Management, 2016 -- The in-tandem surgical dilemma
  3. Nariman Nassiri, Brian A. Francis, Glaucoma Physician, 2022 -- Combining Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation With Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery
  4. European Glaucoma Society, 6th Edition Guidelines, 2025 -- Terminology and guidelines for glaucoma
  5. Glaucoma Physician — Laser Cataract Surgery in the Glaucoma Patient
  6. Combined Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery With Phacoemulsification in Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
  7. The comparative efficacy and safety of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
  8. European Glaucoma Society - Terminology and guidelines for glaucoma, 6th Edition - PubMed

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