Combined phacoemulsification and trabectome for treatment of glaucoma.

Ab interno trabeculectomy with the trabectome is a microincisional glaucoma surgery modality with an electrosurgical device to ablate the trabecular meshwork and inner wall of Schlemm canal to restore conventional outflow along its physiological route, thereby decreasing intraocular pressure. The device was approved by the FDA in 2004 and has since gained widespread use. Trabectome can be performed on its own or combined with cataract surgery for the treatment of ocular hypertension or advanced glaucoma with similar intraocular pressure reduction. It can be used after failed classical glaucoma surgeries and in narrow angles. Postoperative average intraocular pressure is independent of preoperative pressure and can be expected to be near 15 mm Hg with a theoretical minimum close to episcleral venous pressure. In combination with tube shunts, low intraocular pressures can be achieved during the hypertensive phase and long term. Although early postoperative hyphema is common, complications are rare and similar to those seen in cataract surgery, resulting in a safety profile that is favorable compared to older glaucoma surgeries. Aqueous angiography that is under development will allow anatomically targeted ablation.