330 trabeculectomies. A long time study (3-5 1/2 years)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Procedures
• Glaucoma Management

Background:

• Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy often requiring surgical intervention.
• Trabeculectomy is a common surgical procedure for managing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Long-term outcomes and complication rates of trabeculectomy require ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients.
• To assess the impact of trabeculectomy on intraocular pressure and visual field defects.
• To identify the incidence of post-operative complications, including cataract development.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective follow-up study of 281 eyes that underwent trabeculectomy.
• Data collected included pre- and post-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field status, and need for medication.
• Complications such as cataract formation and the need for reoperation were recorded.

Main Results:

• Mean IOP decreased from 31 mmHg pre-operatively to 18 mmHg post-operatively.
• 57% of eyes achieved glaucoma control with a single trabeculectomy; 35% required post-operative medication.
• Visual field defects were arrested in 87% of eyes; reoperation was needed in 8%.
• Cataract developed in 25% of eyes, with favorable visual outcomes after extraction.

Conclusions:

• Trabeculectomy is an atraumatic and efficient surgical procedure for glaucoma management.
• It is a necessary therapeutic option when medical treatments fail to control IOP.
• Long-term follow-up reveals a manageable complication profile, with cataract being the most common late complication.