EFFECTIVENESS OF TRABECULECTOMY IN PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the change of intraocular pressure (IOP) brought about by trabeculectomy and to

analyze any further changes in intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy during three months follow-up.

Material and Methods: Patients who presented to eye department of Khyber Teaching Hospital

Peshawar and were diagnosed as primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and selected for trabeculectomy

were included in the study, from 1998 to 2001. History, examination and relevant investigations were

performed. All cases of trabeculectomy were analyzed and the follow up period was three months.

Results: The total number of patients included for trabeculectomy was 44 and the total trabeculectomies

performed were 50 as in six cases, bilateral operations were done. Out of 44 patients, 34 (77.2%) were

male and 10 (22.8%) were female. The age of the patients ranged from 43 to 80 years. The pre-operative

intra ocular pressure ranged from 12 to 60 mm of mercury. The lower ranged intra ocular pressure was

those cases of primary open angle glaucoma that were on maximum medical treatment. The post-operative

intra ocular pressure was recorded on 1st and 15th post-operative days, one month after surgery and three

months after trabeculectomy. The mean intra ocular pressure on 1st and 15th post-operative days, one

month and 3 months after surgery was 10.2, 9.8, 12.55 and 10.7 mm of mercury respectively. Overall 92%

cases were declared as complete success.

Conclusion: Trabeculctomy is a safe and effective procedure for primary open angle glaucoma.