Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation
Published on: March 12, 2016
Is the role of trabeculectomy in glaucoma management changing?
K W Whittaker1, J T Gillow, I A Cunliffe
1Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Background:
In recent years there have been significant developments in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. We conducted a study to determine whether there has been an associated change in trabeculectomy rates in England over this period.
Methods:
Figures for the total number of trabeculectomies and cataract operations performed in England for each year from 1989/90 to 1999/2000 were obtained from the Department of Health, Hospital Episode Statistics Division.
Results:
The available data show that the number of trabeculectomies and cataract operations increased year on year from 1990/91 until 1995/96. Since then, the number of cataract procedures has continued to rise dramatically, whereas the number of trabeculectomies has fallen progressively by 7%, 23%, 37% and 53% in the last 4 years.
Conclusion:
The perceived need for surgical intervention would appear to have been delayed or prevented. We postulate that several factors underlie this trend and that there are a number of implications regarding the future management of glaucoma patients.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

