Recent Advances in the Surgical Management of Glaucoma in Exfoliation Syndrome

Abstract

Surgical and laser procedures traditionally used in the management of exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) include laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage implant surgery. Having demonstrated similar safety and efficacy in XFG compared with primary open-angle glaucoma, trabeculectomy remains the most commonly performed surgery in XFG. Recent trends in practice patterns in developed nations demonstrate a shift towards glaucoma drainage implant surgery, which is currently the procedure of choice in XFG for many, particularly in developed nations. In addition, cataract surgery alone may significantly decrease intraocular pressure in patients with XFG, may prevent glaucoma development in patients with exfoliation syndrome, and is recommended to be performed early in the course of the disease. With the relatively recent introduction of nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery and the ongoing evolution of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, several other surgical procedures have now become part of the glaucoma surgeon's armamentarium when treating XFG, including the Ex-PRESS shunt, deep sclerectomy, viscocanalostomy, Trabectome, as well as angle procedures. These techniques have demonstrated promising results in various types of glaucoma. More research is, however, needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these procedures in XFG.