Argon laser trabeculoplasty following failed trabeculectomy

Twenty-five patients (30 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma post-trabeculectomy with failing blebs and progressive visual field loss were treated with argon laser trabeculoplasty. The average time from filtration surgery to trabeculoplasty was 25.5 +/- 12.0 months. Following trabeculoplasty the mean intraocular pressure dropped significantly from 20.0 +/- 3.7 to 17.2 +/- 4.3 (p less than .005) at a mean follow-up of 14.3 +/- 7.6 months. Sixty-seven percent of eyes had stabilization of visual function. Thirty-three percent were considered treatment failures secondary to progressive visual field loss, sustained rise in intraocular pressure, or further glaucoma surgery. Alteration of the trabecular meshwork resulting from trabeculectomy does not appear to have an adverse effect on laser trabeculoplasty.