Guidance
3 Committee considerations
The evidence
3.1 NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 8 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 7 before-and-after studies. It is presented in the summary of key evidence section in the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.
3.2 The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), reduction in glaucoma medicine use, need for further IOP-controlling surgery, preservation of peripheral vision, and patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life.
3.3 The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: pain, bleeding within the eye, infection, loss of vision, hypotony and need for further surgery for complications.
3.4 Three commentaries from people who have had this procedure were discussed by the committee.
Committee comments
3.5 Glaucoma is a common chronic condition. This underpinned the committee's recommendation on collecting and reporting further data on outcomes and safety, particularly in the long term.
3.6 The committee was informed that this procedure is for people with mild-to-moderate glaucoma.
3.7 More than 1 device is available for this procedure.
3.8 The committee was informed that people with glaucoma need lifelong follow up, and some may need to continue using glaucoma medicine after the procedure.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4770-6