Related Experiment Videos
Prevalence, diagnostic features, and response to trabeculectomy in exfoliation glaucoma
A G Konstas1, J L Jay, G E Marshall
1Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Ophthalmology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Exfoliation glaucoma is common in patients needing glaucoma surgery, showing a poorer response to medical treatments but a better outcome after trabeculectomy compared to primary open-angle glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Surgical Ophthalmology
Background:
- The exact prevalence and clinical features of exfoliation glaucoma are debated.
- This study investigated these aspects in glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of exfoliation glaucoma in patients requiring trabeculectomy.
- To compare the clinical characteristics and treatment responses of exfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination (biomicroscopy, gonioscopy) and pathological examination of iris tissue were used.
- 100 consecutive patients with open-angle glaucoma undergoing trabeculectomy were classified.
- Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrastructural evidence of exfoliation material.
Main Results:
- Exfoliation glaucoma prevalence was 26% in this cohort.
- Patients with exfoliation glaucoma had higher intraocular pressure (IOP) and poorer response to medical therapy.
- Exfoliation glaucoma showed a significantly better IOP reduction after trabeculectomy.
Conclusions:
- Exfoliation glaucoma is a frequent diagnosis in patients undergoing trabeculectomy for open-angle glaucoma.
- It is characterized by less responsiveness to medical management and a favorable surgical outcome with trabeculectomy.