Lens fluorophotometry after trabeculectomy in primary open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Ocular Surgery

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Trabeculectomy is a common surgical procedure to reduce intraocular pressure in POAG.
• The impact of trabeculectomy on lens transparency requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of trabeculectomy on lens transparency in patients with POAG.
• To compare changes in lens transparency between patients undergoing trabeculectomy and those receiving medical treatment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 33 eyes of 33 POAG patients undergoing trabeculectomy (group 1) and 12 eyes of 12 POAG patients on topical treatment (group 2).
• Lens fluorophotometry was performed before and 12 months after surgery in group 1, and at baseline and 12 months in group 2.
• Autofluorescence and transmittance values were measured and compared between the groups.

Main Results:

• Patients undergoing trabeculectomy showed a statistically significant increase in lens autofluorescence (134.7 +/- 123.7 Eq ng/ml change) and a decrease in transmittance (-0.11 +/- 0.072 change) after 12 months.
• The control group receiving topical treatment exhibited minimal changes in autofluorescence (20.9 +/- 25.1 Eq ng/ml change) and transmittance (0.02 +/- 0.008 change).
• The differences in changes in both autofluorescence and transmittance between the surgical and control groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Trabeculectomy in POAG patients leads to a measurable loss of lens transparency.
• Lens fluorophotometry is a valuable tool for assessing surgical impacts on ocular structures.
• Ophthalmologists should consider the potential for reduced lens transparency following trabeculectomy.