Phacoemulsification versus Phaco-Trabeculectomy in Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma With Cataract - Improvements in Quality of Life

Abstract

Purpose: : To compare the improvements in quality of life (QOL) after phacoemulsification and phaco-trabeculectomy in chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) with cataract

Methods: : CACG patients with cataract were randomized into receiving phacoemulsification or phaco-trabeculectomy. An interview was conducted before surgery, and at 6 months after surgery, using a simple vision-specific QOL questionnaire adapted for the local culture and environment in Hong Kong and other Asian urban populations. The impacts of phacoemulsification and phaco-trabeculectomy on the QOL of CACG patients were compared, and the correlations between various clinical parameters and QOL scores were analyzed.

Results: : Sixty-six patients were recruited. In the 32 patients receiving phacoemulsification, the mean QOL score +/- standard deviation (SD) increased from 3.82 +/- 0.57 before surgery, to 4.44 +/- 0.72 after surgery (p < 0.001). In the 34 patients receiving phaco-trabeculectomy, the mean QOL score +/- SD increased from 3.75 +/- 0.72 before surgery, to 4.21 +/- 0.85 after surgery (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatments in the mean QOL scores, pre-operatively (p = 0.743) or post-operatively (p = 0.253). There were significant correlations between the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of better eye and the QOL score (p < 0.001), and between the pre-operative and post-operative QOL scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: : Both phacoemulsification and phaco-trabeculectomy resulted in significant and comparable increases in QOL in CACG patients with cataract. The BCVA of the better eye correlated strongly with the QOL score.

Clinical Trial: : CUHK Registry CUHK_CCT00043

Keywords: quality of life • cataract