Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Short-term changes in the optic nerve head and visual field after trabeculectomy
1Department of Neurosciences, Ophthalmology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. figus@ocupisa.it
Eye (London, England)
|May 28, 2011
Summary
Glaucoma surgery significantly reduced intraocular pressure and increased retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. This study evaluated short-term changes in optic nerve head and visual fields after trabeculectomy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Surgical Interventions
Background:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for POAG progression.
- Trabeculectomy is a surgical procedure to reduce IOP in glaucoma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess short-term changes in optic nerve head (ONH) topography and visual field (VF) after surgical IOP reduction.
- To evaluate the impact of trabeculectomy on glaucomatous changes.
- To correlate IOP reduction with ONH and VF outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 56 eyes of 56 patients with uncontrolled POAG undergoing trabeculectomy.
- ONH topography (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph) and VF tests were performed pre-operatively and at 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
- Statistical analysis included t-tests for paired data and linear regression to assess relationships between IOP, ONH, and VF parameters.
Main Results:
- Mean IOP significantly decreased from 24.4 mmHg pre-operatively to 12.1 mmHg at 3 months and 10.6 mmHg at 6 months (P<0.001).
- Mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness showed a statistically significant increase from baseline at 3 months (0.24 mm) and 6 months (0.21 mm) (P=0.05).
- The study identified a significant increase in RNFL thickness post-glaucoma filtration surgery.
Conclusions:
- Glaucoma filtration surgery effectively reduces intraocular pressure in patients with uncontrolled POAG.
- Short-term follow-up revealed a significant increase in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness after trabeculectomy.
- These findings suggest potential structural improvements in the optic nerve following successful IOP control.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...