Trabeculectomy versus Scheie's operation: a comparative retrospective study in open-angle glaucoma in Kenyans

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Procedures
• Glaucoma Management

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Surgical interventions are crucial for managing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma.
• Comparing the efficacy and safety of different glaucoma surgeries is essential for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of trabeculectomy and Scheie's operation in managing open-angle glaucoma.
• To evaluate the impact of both surgical procedures on intraocular pressure and visual acuity.

Main Methods:

• A comparative retrospective study involving 39 patients with open-angle glaucoma.
• Each patient underwent Scheie's operation in one eye and trabeculectomy in the other.
• Intraocular pressure and visual acuity were monitored postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Trabeculectomy successfully lowered intraocular pressure to below 22 mmHg in 80% of cases, compared to 74% with Scheie's operation.
• Postoperative reduction in visual acuity occurred four times more frequently after Scheie's operation than after trabeculectomy.
• An additional group of 47 patients undergoing trabeculectomy is also reported.

Conclusions:

• Trabeculectomy demonstrates superior efficacy in reducing intraocular pressure compared to Scheie's operation for open-angle glaucoma.
• Trabeculectomy is associated with a lower risk of postoperative visual acuity reduction.
• These findings support trabeculectomy as a preferred surgical option for open-angle glaucoma management.