Comparison Of Istent Inject Implantation Alone And With Cataract Surgery On Intraocular Pressure And Visual Field Stability: A Retrospective Analysis

This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcomes of iStent inject implantation alone and iStent inject implantation along with cataract surgery in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity improvements, surgery complications, surgery time, and overall visual field stability. The primary objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of the two procedures in reducing IOP, with a secondary objective of evaluating the impact of the procedures on visual acuity and visual field stability.

The study was conducted in a single center, and the patients were recruited from the ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary hospital.

Data were collected from medical records of patients who underwent either iStent inject implantation alone or iStent inject implantation with cataract surgery at a single center. A total of four eyes were included in each category. Pre-operative and post-operative measurements were taken at pre-op, 1-month post-op, and 3-month post-op values. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and t-tests.

Both iStent inject implantation alone and iStent inject implantation along with cataract surgery resulted in a significant reduction in IOP at 1-month and 3-month post-op visits. The mean IOP reduction in the iStent inject implantation alone group was 8.2 mmHg (p<0.05), while the mean reduction in the other group was 8.8 mmHg (p<0.05). Surgery complications were minimal in both groups, and there was no significant difference in surgery time.

The overall visual field stability was better in the group that underwent iStent inject implantation along with cataract surgery compared to the group that received iStent inject implantation alone. 

In conclusion, both iStent inject implantation alone and iStent inject implantation along with cataract surgery are effective in reducing IOP . However, the combination of iStent inject implantation and cataract surgery may provide better overall visual field stability compared to iStent inject implantation alone, with a mean IOP drop of approximately above 8mmHg. This study highlights the importance of considering both procedures in the management of patients with glaucoma and cataracts. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these findings.