Purposes: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically compare the IOP-lowering effect of different microstents combined with phacoemulsification versus phacoemulsification for patients with OAG and cataract.
Methods: This work was done through the data searched from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. In addition, this meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 software.
Results: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Compared with phacoemulsification alone, microstent implantation with phacoemulsification resulted in significant reduction in the postoperative IOP (MD = -1.66, 95%CI: [-2.25 to -1.06]). Patients with medication free and patients with beyond 20% IOP reduction were significantly increased in the microstent implantation with phacoemulsification group compared with phacoemulsification alone group (RR = 1.54, 95%CI: [1.34 to 1.77]; RR = 1.34, 95%CI: [1.24 to 1.45]).
Conclusion: Both microstent implantation with concurrent phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification alone result in a significant reduction in IOP. In terms of both reductions, microstent implantation with phacoemulsification significantly outperforms phacoemulsification alone.
Keywords: Intraocular pressure; Open angle glaucoma; meta-analysis; microstent; phacoemulsification.