Cataract Surgery After Tube Shunts

PURPOSE:To determine the effect of cataract surgery on glaucomatous eyes with functioning tube shunts. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of 11 eyes of 11 patients with functioning tube shunts who underwent cataract extraction. RESULTS:The mean follow-up after cataract extraction was 21 ± 27 months (range, 4–97 months). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean preoperative intraocular pressure and mean postoperative intraocular pressure (17.4 ± 3.7 mm Hg vs 17.8 ± 5.9 mmHg; P = 0.85, paired t test). Most patients exhibited a statistically significant rise or drop in pressure, but in none was there a clinically significant change. The mean number of preoperative and postoperative antiglaucoma medications was also not significantly different (1.5 ± 1.1 vs 1.7 ± 1.2; P = 0.44, paired t test). Snellen visual acuity improved at least 2 lines in 6 eyes (55%). Complications after cataract extraction included corneal edema in three eyes, one of which had subsequent loss of control of intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS:Eyes with a functioning tube shunt undergoing cataract extraction can maintain control of intraocular pressure while achieving visual improvement.