Merits of trabeculectomy in advanced and end-stage glaucoma

The aim of the study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) control, potential benefits, and associated complications in advanced cases of glaucoma (visual acuity of <6/60) after trabeculectomy. Although many studies of trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients have been done, very few in such advanced cases.

The study was done on 60 cases of advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Trabeculectomy was done and IOP control was assessed. Pre-operative workup included a detailed history, slit lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy using Goldmann 2 mirror lens, and detailed fundus examination with the 78D lens. All the patients were to undergo optical coherence tomography and Humphrey automated perimetry.

Out of 60 patients with POAG, 48 were males and 12 were females with a ratio of 4:1. Of all the 60 cases, 36 had a visual acuity of 20/200, 16 had a visual acuity of hand movements, and eight patients had a visual acuity of perception of light. The mean pre-operative IOP was measured as 37.01 mmHg with standard deviation (SD)± 8.82. The mean post-operative IOP was found 17.92 mmHg with SD ± 3.17. There was a mean drop of 19 mmHg of IOP postoperatively. P value was highly significant (P < 0.000).

Trabeculectomy is a successful method of controlling IOP in patients with advanced glaucoma. Trabeculectomy is the method of reducing IOP in medically uncontrolled patients. A pain-free eye was associated with better quality of life in patients. A successful trabeculectomy helps to preserve the residual vision in such patients.