Comparison of Phaco Surgery With Goniosynechialysis Versus Trabeculectomy in Glaucoma Treatment

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

• Registration Number: NCT06952153
• Lead Sponsor: University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL) is as effective and safe as trabeculectomy in treating patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does Phaco-GSL provide similar or better intraocular pressure (IOP) control compared to trabeculectomy?

* What are the rates of postoperative complications or adverse events between the two surgical approaches?

* How do the two procedures compare in terms of visual acuity recovery and need for glaucoma medications?

Researchers will compare Phaco-GSL to trabeculectomy to determine which procedure offers better overall outcomes for patients with angle-closure glaucoma.

Participants will:

Be randomly assigned to undergo either Phaco-GSL or trabeculectomy Attend scheduled follow-up visits at regular intervals (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months) for eye exams and pressure checks

Detailed Description

This clinical trial is designed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of two surgical interventions for patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG): (1) phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL), and (2) trabeculectomy. The study is driven by the increasing need to identify surgical approaches that not only provide effective intraocular pressure (IOP) control but also minimize postoperative complications and preserve visual function.

Phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis aims to address both lens-induced angle crowding and peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), potentially restoring aqueous outflow through a less invasive approach than trabeculectomy. On the other hand, trabeculectomy remains the gold standard for glaucoma filtration surgery and offers significant IOP reduction, albeit with a higher risk of complications and need for intensive postoperative care.

This randomized, parallel-group, single masked interventional trial will allocate participants to undergo either Phaco-GSL or trabeculectomy. Allocation will be stratified based on key baseline factors age, condition severity and type. All surgical procedures will be performed by experienced glaucoma surgeons following standardized protocols. Postoperative management will be unified across both groups to ensure comparability of outcomes.

Primary and secondary endpoints will include postoperative IOP at predefined intervals, reduction in IOP from baseline, number of anti-glaucoma medications required, visual acuity outcomes, angle status (via gonioscopy), and occurrence of adverse events. Follow-up will extend for at least 12 months to capture both short-term surgical success and medium-term complications or failures.

This trial will provide much-needed data to inform clinical decisions in managing PACG, particularly in cases where lens extraction is indicated. By comparing a combined lens-based and angle-opening procedure to a traditional filtering surgery, the study seeks to clarify the relative benefits and risks of each approach.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-23
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-30
• Study Start: 2025-06-01
• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-04
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-11
• Primary Completion: 2027-07-30
• Study Completion: 2027-09-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 82

Inclusion Criteria

• Age ≥ 40 years
• Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) >180°
• Glaucomatous optic neuropathy with visual field loss
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg despite medication
• Ability to consent and comply with follow-up
• Cataract grade 1 to 3 according to LOCS III
• Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 0.3 logMAR (equivalent to 20/40 Snellen or worse)

Exclusion Criteria

• Very advanced glaucoma (only light perception vision)
• Secondary angle-closure etiologies
• Prior ocular surgeries or laser peripheral iridotomy (PI)
• Allergy to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), if used postoperatively
• Irreversible corneal disease
• Chronic corticosteroid use
• Poor follow-up compliance
• Cataract grade 4 or 5 (LOCS III)
• Phacomorphic, phacolytic, or subluxated cataracts

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Mean change in intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline	12 months after surgery	The primary outcome is the mean reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) measured in mmHg from baseline to the final follow-up visit. IOP will be measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry by a masked outcomes assessor. The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis compared to standard trabeculectomy in reducing IOP in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Total Degree of Angle Closure from Baseline	12 months postoperatively	This outcome measure evaluates the change in the extent of angle closure, quantified as the total degrees of the anterior chamber angle that are closed, from baseline to the final follow-up. Assessments will be performed using standardized gonioscopy or anterior segment imaging (e.g., AS-OCT) by examiners masked to treatment allocation. The measurement provides an objective indicator of the anatomical improvement of the angle following intervention, with a reduction in closed angle degrees suggesting a more open drainage pathway, which is critical for effective intraocular pressure control.
Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline	12 months postoperatively	This outcome measures the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), expressed in logMAR units, from baseline to the final follow-up visit. BCVA will be assessed using standardized ETDRS charts under consistent lighting and testing conditions. The aim is to compare the improvement or decline in visual acuity between participants undergoing phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis and those undergoing trabeculectomy. Measurements will be conducted by certified examiners masked to group allocation.
Change in number of glaucoma medications from baseline	12 months postoperatively	This outcome assesses the difference in the number of topical anti-glaucoma medications used by participants before and after surgery. The total number of medications will be recorded at baseline and at each follow-up visit. The goal is to determine whether phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis reduces the need for ongoing pharmacological treatment compared to trabeculectomy. A reduction in medication burden is considered an indicator of treatment efficacy and improved patient quality of life.
Surgical Success Rate	12 months after surgery	Surgical success will be classified into two categories: Complete Success: Defined by meeting all of the following criteria: Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) consistently between 5 mmHg and 18 mmHg at each follow-up visit without the use of additional anti-glaucoma medications.; A ≥20% reduction in IOP from baseline (preoperative value). No need for additional surgical intervention to manage glaucoma. No use of adjunctive glaucoma medications.; Partial Success: Defined as meeting some but not all criteria for complete success. This may include cases where IOP is within target range but maintained with the aid of medications, or the percentage IOP reduction is less than 20%.; This outcome provides a comprehensive assessment of surgical effectiveness and will be evaluated at 12 months postoperatively.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

HCMC University of Medicine and Pharmacy; 🇻🇳 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam