[Results and complications after deep sclerectomy]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Glaucoma Management

Background:

• Nonperforating glaucoma surgery aims to reduce complications compared to traditional trabeculectomy.
• Deep sclerectomy presents a potential alternative with early postoperative advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deep sclerectomy as a nonperforating glaucoma surgical procedure.
• To compare the outcomes of deep sclerectomy with established glaucoma surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 74 eyes of 56 patients undergoing deep sclerectomy.
• Follow-up averaged 9.5 months; some cases included mitomycin C or combined cataract surgery.
• Surgical technique excluded high-viscosity materials and collagen implants.

Main Results:

• Mean intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 24.8 mmHg to 16.1 mmHg (P < 0.0001).
• Glaucoma medication use reduced from 2.2 to 0.6 substances per patient.
• Complications included nine cases of choroidal detachment and six of temporary hyphema.

Conclusions:

• Deep sclerectomy effectively lowers intraocular pressure, comparable to standard trabeculectomy.
• The procedure demonstrates a low complication rate in the early postoperative period.
• A higher proportion of patients may require continued glaucoma medication post-deep sclerectomy than after trabeculectomy.