330 trabeculectomies. A long time study (3-5 1/2 years)

Abstract

281 eyes out of 330 were followed during 3 to 5 1/2 years after trabeculectomy. 32 eyes were drop-outs due to death and 17 eyes due to inability to participate in the examination program. The mean age at time of surgery was 66 years. A mean pre-operative IOP of 31 mmHg dropped to a mean post-operative level of 18 mmHg. In 57% a single trabeculectomy was considered enough to control the glaucoma. Post-operative medical treatment was considered necessary in 35%. In 87% the pre-operative progress of the field defect was arrested. A reoperation was performed in 8%. The early complications were very few, but in 25% slowly developing cataract was observed. A cataract extraction was performed in 29 eyes post trabeculectomiam with a favourable visual outcome. This study confirms the opinion that trabeculectomy is an atraumatic and efficient surgical procedure and a necessary therapeutic measure when the tolerable combination of antiglaucoma drugs proves insufficient to control the glaucoma.