Intraocular pressure changes in the contralateral eye after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Surgery
• Ocular Physiology

Background:

• Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) is a common surgical procedure for glaucoma.
• The effect of trabeculectomy on the contralateral (fellow) eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) is not fully understood.
• Understanding contralateral eye IOP changes is crucial for comprehensive glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in the fellow eyes of patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC.
• To determine if topical ocular hypotensive therapy in the fellow eye influences IOP reduction after contralateral trabeculectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 24 patients undergoing trabeculectomy with MMC.
• IOP measurements in contralateral eyes were recorded pre-surgery, 1 day post-surgery, and 1 month post-surgery.
• Patients were stratified based on whether their fellow eyes were receiving topical ocular hypotensive therapy.

Main Results:

• Overall mean IOP in contralateral eyes decreased significantly 1 day and 1 month post-surgery (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively).
• Eyes on topical hypotensive therapy showed a mean IOP reduction from 19.5 to 13.5 mm Hg (1 day) and 16.5 mm Hg (1 month).
• Eyes not on topical hypotensive therapy showed a significant IOP reduction at 1 month (p=0.01), from a mean of 12.1 to 9.8 mm Hg.

Conclusions:

• Trabeculectomy with MMC results in a significant decrease in IOP in the contralateral eye.
• This IOP reduction in the fellow eye is observed irrespective of whether the eye is undergoing topical ocular hypotensive therapy.
• The findings suggest a potential systemic or indirect effect of trabeculectomy on fellow eye IOP.