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There is insufficient evidence to recommend lens extraction as a treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma: an evidence‐based perspective
Author(s) -
Walland Mark J,
Parikh Rajul S,
Thomas Ravi
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2011.02617.x
Subject(s) - medicine , perspective (graphical) , glaucoma , ophthalmology , open angle glaucoma , optometry , artificial intelligence , computer science
A bstract Cataract extraction in primary open‐angle glaucoma has not been thought to provide a clinically useful or predictable decrease in IOP. This concept has now been challenged, with the opposite belief being promulgated: namely, that lens exchange should be considered as treatment for glaucoma. This revelation could bring a significant change in the glaucoma treatment paradigm. There are no randomised controlled trials to guide the role of lens extraction in primary open‐angle glaucoma. The available evidence suggests at most a modest reduction in IOP from cataract extraction – greater in the presence of pseudoexfoliation – which is likely to be of marginal benefit, and only in milder forms of open‐angle glaucoma. There is currently no evidence of any quality to suggest that lens extraction routinely represents a clinically useful treatment for primary open‐angle glaucoma.