Anterior segment parameters after trabeculectomy in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Trabeculectomy is a common glaucoma surgery, but stabilization times for different glaucoma types are debated.
• Mitomycin C (MMC) is often used to augment trabeculectomy to improve success rates.
• Understanding short-term changes in anterior segment parameters after MMC-augmented trabeculectomy is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short-term effects of MMC-augmented trabeculectomy on ocular anterior segment parameters.
• To compare the stabilization of these parameters between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 80 patients with medically uncontrolled POAG or PXG.
• MMC-augmented trabeculectomy performed by a single surgeon.
• Anterior segment parameters (ACD, ACV, ACA, CCT) measured with Pentacam HR; IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer.
• Measurements taken pre-operatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in IOP, ACD, and ACA over 3 months in both POAG and PXG groups.
• Most anterior segment parameters were comparable between POAG and PXG groups throughout the follow-up.
• Central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber volume (ACV) showed significant group-by-time interactions.

Conclusions:

• MMC-augmented trabeculectomy leads to significant short-term fluctuations in IOP, ACD, and ACA in both POAG and PXG.
• Anterior segment parameters are largely comparable between POAG and PXG post-operatively in the short term.
• Further research with longer follow-up is needed to confirm these findings and understand long-term stabilization.