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PubMed2001

Prognosis and risk factors for early postoperative wound leaks after trabeculectomy with and without 5-fluorouracil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognosis of patients who develop early postoperative wound leaks after trabeculectomy, to determine risk factors for these leaks, and to document adverse outcomes. DESIGN: Multicenter randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Two-hundred thirteen patients with previous cataract surgery or failed filtering surgery were randomized to either trabeculectomy (standard group) or trabeculectomy with postoperative subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil injections (5-FU group). Masked measurements of intraocular pressure were performed throughout 5 years of follow-up. Failure was defined as a reoperation to control intraocular pressure or an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm Hg with or without medication at or after the 1-year examination. An early postoperative wound leak was defined as one that developed within 2 weeks postoperatively, determined by daily topical fluorescein testing. RESULTS: At 1 year (5 years), the success rate for the 5-FU group was 80% (54%) in eyes without a leak, and 60% (28%) in those with a leak. The 1-year (5-year) success rate in the standard group was 50% (24%) in those without a leak and 44% (15%) with a leak. (P =.018, log-rank test, adjusted for treatment). Leaks were more common in the 5-FU group, 34/105 (32%), than in the standard treatment group, 22/108 (20%), (P =.066, chi(2)). More eyes with one-layer conjunctiva-Tenon capsule closure developed leaks 40/115 (35%) than those with two-layer closure 16/95 (17%) (P =.006, chi(2)). More eyes with a trabeculectomy located inferiorly 29/76 (38%) developed leaks than those done superiorly 27/137 (20%) (P =.006, chi(2)). Patients with leaks were older (66 years) than those without leaks (60 years) (P =.011, t test). CONCLUSION: An early postoperative wound leak was a risk factor for trabeculectomy failure. We recommend that trabeculectomy be performed in a superior location with a two-layer closure.

Antimetabolites↗

PubMed1998

[Risk factors for trabeculectomy failure].

BACKGROUND: Trabeculectomy is today the filtering procedure of choice, because complications are rare and success-rates high. A modification of our technique (fornix-based conjunctival flap closed by a running suture) introduced 3 years ago, has lead us to this retrospective assessment of complications and success-rates. Some of the risk factors for failure are known, others however remain obscure. This retrospective series was also used to further identify some of these risk factors for trabeculectomy failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 388 trabeculectomies performed between January 1992 and June 1994 at our hospital were included in the study. Important pre- and postoperative data were retrospectively assessed from patients case notes, with a special interest in the course of post-operative intra-ocular pressure (IOP). Two major groups were differentiated: Those with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) (i.e. primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX) and pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS)), and other various glaucoma diagnoses. Risk factors were assessed using Cox-proportional hazard model adopting three different criteria for success. RESULTS: The best success-rate after 12 months of follow-up had patients with narrow angle glaucoma (93.1%)(at least those suitable for filtering surgery), followed by patients with POAG (92.8%), 2 degrees open-angle glaucoma (81.8%), aphakic (75%), juvenile (70.6%) and PDS (52.9%). Pseudophakia and development of an encapsulated bleb (Tenon' cyst) were identified as significant (p < 0.05) risk factors for failure. In addition, YAG-Laser Iridotomy in OAG-group and Aphakia in the group of various glaucoma diagnoses were identified as risk factors for successful post-operative IOP control. CONCLUSIONS: Filtering surgery (trabeculectomy) is a potent method to reduce IOP. Pseudophakia and an encapsulated bleb are the main risk factors for surgical failure. Because of amazingly high success-rates we tend to perform filtering surgery today earlier than ten years ago, especially as previous long-term topical antiglaucoma treatment may reduce filtering surgery success.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

[Surgical controversy. Combined surgery in one procedure].

Combined surgery (phacoemulsification and penetrating or nonpenetrating filtering surgery) has the advantage of treating two distinct disorders in a single operation, with the objective of improving visual acuity and controlling ocular hypertension. In addition, it improves patient comfort and compliance to treatment. It lowers intraocular pressure more than simple lens surgery and the same as surgery carried out in two steps, notably with nonpenetrating filtering surgery, whereas the incidence of complications is lower. Our personal experience with 35 patients, operated on for phacoemulsification and deep sclerectomy with external trabeculectomy in the same operation confirms that this combined surgery in a single operation is effective in controlling ocular pressure in glaucoma subjects (mean reduction in tension, 23%), with few complications.

Glaucoma↗

PubMed1992

Effects of aqueous humor on filtering bleb in rabbits.

Preoperative aqueous humor, known to inhibit the growth of fibroblasts in tissue culture assay, was used as an adjunct to filtering surgery in rabbits to determine its effect in vivo on the outcome of filtering surgery. Fifteen rabbits underwent a posterior-lip sclerectomy in both eyes. In experimental eyes 1.4 ml preoperative aqueous humor and in fellow eyes 1.4 ml balanced salt solution were injected intracamerally. Gross and histopathological differences of bleb were observed. In this animal experiment, although there was no statistical significance or late postoperative effect, the rabbit eyes refilled with preoperative aqueous humor intracamerally just after filtering surgery, had a larger bleb and less fibroconnective tissue on the bleb than the control eyes in the early postoperative period.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

The surgical management of leaking filtering blebs.

Leaking blebs may be encountered in the early postoperative period, or months to years after filtering surgery. Early postoperative bleb leaks are most often related to surgical trauma to the conjunctiva and can be avoided by careful surgical technique. Spontaneous late bleb leaks occur more frequently in glaucoma filtering surgery following adjunctive use of antimetabolites and full-thickness procedures. As we endeavor to achieve better long-term success with filtering surgery, antimetabolites have gained increasing popularity. With this change in clinical practice, a higher rate of bleb leaks is being recognized. These leaks may be uncomplicated or may be associated with sight-threatening complications such as endophthalmitis. The plethora of treatment options for bleb leaks described in the literature reflects the widespread nature of this problem. It also reflects the failure of any one particular approach not only to resolve bleb leaks but also to prevent their recurrence. This paper reviews the contemporary surgical management of leaking blebs and formulates a practical approach to their management.

Antimetabolites↗

PubMed2000

Long-term clinical course of primary angle-closure glaucoma in an Asian population.

PURPOSE: To study the long-term clinical course of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five consecutive patients who were diagnosed with PACG at one Singapore hospital from January 1990 through December 1994. METHODS: Primary angle-closure glaucoma was defined as the presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and compatible visual field loss associated with a closed angle in the same eye. All study eyes underwent laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI). There were two groups of patients studied. Group A consisted of those with a past documented history of an episode of acute angle closure (that had resolved after LPI). Group B consisted of those with no previous acute episode. The presenting features, management, and subsequent long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) outcome were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure and the need for further glaucoma treatment. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 63 +/- 29 months (mean +/- standard deviation). The mean presenting IOP was 40 +/- 16 mmHg, and the presenting vertical cup-to-disc ratio was 0.6 +/- 0.2. Of the 83 eyes, only five eyes (6%) did not require any treatment after LPI in the long term. In group A (35 eyes), all eyes required further treatment with antiglaucoma medications. Twenty-two eyes (62. 9%) eventually underwent filtering surgery at a mean of 7.3 months after the commencement of treatment. In group B (48 eyes), 43 eyes (89.6%) underwent further medical therapy, of which 22 eyes (45.8%) eventually underwent filtering surgery at a mean of 18.4 months after the commencement of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of a patent LPI, most eyes with established PACG require further treatment to control IOP. Medical therapy fails in most cases, necessitating filtering surgery. Patients risk experiencing further glaucomatous visual damage if this trend is not detected.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

[Current topics in glaucoma].

Among the many factors involved in the development of glaucoma, the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important. The treatment of glaucoma aims to lower IOP in order to maintain visual function. New anti-glaucoma drugs, latanoprost and nipradilol, have been shown to effect a reduction in IOP equal to that achieved with the equivalent dosage of timolol, with no adverse systemic side effects. The mechanism of the reduction of IOP by these drugs mainly involves the increase of uveoscleral outflow. The success rate of filtering surgery for glaucoma has been increased by using antimetabolites such as mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The use of MMC during surgery has resulted in a better outcome than with 5-FU. Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) cases are reported to constitute more than 60% of total glaucoma cases in Japan. NTG is different from primary open-angle glaucoma not only in IOP but also in the pattern of the visual field defect, cupping and peripapillary atrophy of the optic nerve head (ONH). The first choice of treatment for NTG is using drugs for reducing IOP and, if necessary, argon laser trabeculoplasty. In addition to these treatments a drug for increasing the blood circulation in the brain, brovinecamine fumarate, has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of NTG. NTG patients whose visual field can be shown by static perimetry to be deteriorating are indicated for filtering surgery. The results of filtering surgery for NTG have been confirmed that it is more effective than drugs for maintaining the visual field. We have developed an instrument using the laser speckle phenomenon for determining the microcirculation in the eye, as well as in the ONH, noninvasively, quantitatively, and repetitively. With the same instrument, the effects of anti-glaucomadrugs on ocular circulation, especially in the ONH, can also be determined. Timolol has no effect on the circulation in the ONH, but carteolol and betaxlol increase the circulation significantly. The Ca(+2)-blocker, nilvadipine, increases the circulation in the ONH. These findings indicate that the drugs increasing the ONH circulation many be beneficial for the control of glaucoma.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Mitomycin C in open angle glaucoma surgery with previous failed glaucoma surgery].

PURPOSE: This study investigates the results of trabeculectomy with peroperative topical application of mitomycin-C performed on eyes with previous failed glaucoma filtering surgery. METHODS: The study includes 34 eyes of 26 patients operated on open angle glaucoma between March 1992 and October 1996, with a minimum of 6 months follow-up (mean 28.1 months). All the eyes had undergone prior one (27) o two (7) filtering surgeries. We evaluated intraocular pressure (IOP) and treatment reduction after surgery. Success was defined as IOP <20 mmHg, without deterioration of the visual field and/or papilla and without oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (OCAI) treatment. RESULTS: Average IOP decrease (p<0,001) from 21.06+/-3.70 mmHg to 13.88+/-2.42 mmHg after surgery and the number of medications dropped from 2.44+/-0.69 to 0.68+/-1.02 (p<0.01). The success rate was 88.2%. The major complication was hypotony maculopathy in 3 eyes (8.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C decreases IOP and postoperative medications in eyes with previous unsuccessful filtering surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Follow-up of a pilot study of trabeculectomy with low dosage mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml for 1 minute). Independent evaluation of a retrospective nonrandomized study].

BACKGROUND: The application of anti fibroses agents during glaucoma surgery leads to more satisfactory results with lower i.o. pressure, yet eliciting complications in wound healing, avascular filtering blebs and frequent chronic hypotonias. In patients with lower risk for failure a reduction of concentration and application time of Mitomycin C should minimise side effects while maintaining the beneficial effect of lower intraocular pressure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 34 eyes of 32 patients (age 72 +/- 8) underwent trabeculectomy (14 combined with phacoemulsification and implantation of a foldable posterior chamber lens). During filtering surgery, Mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml for 1 min) was applied after preparation of the scleral flap. An 11.5 +/- 5.0 (3-21), month followup, 30 (34) eyes (88.2%) had an i.o. pressure of < or = 21 mm Hg (14.0 +/- 4.3 mm Hg at the last control) without additional glaucoma medications. RESULTS: The majority of filtering blebs (30/34; 88.2%) were well vascularised, often showing polycystic degenerations near the limbus. Only 3 eyes developed an avascular filtering bleb. No persisting leaks were observed and only 2 of 34 eyes (5.9%) developed short transient hypotonia (IOP < 6 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive treatment with low concentration of Mitomycin C during filtering surgery results in good i.o. pressure with little risk of avascular bleb development. A prospective, randomised trial is required to assess the safety and efficacy of adjuvantive Mitomycin C treatment in low risk filtering surgery.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Half corneal light shield as a delivery system for standardized application of mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: The authors develop a simple and economical method of applying reproducible intraoperative doses of mitomycin C for glaucoma filtering surgery. METHODS: A three-part protocol was developed to study several properties of half corneal light shields (HCLSs). Part A tested the amount of mitomycin C (0.4 mg/ml) absorbed, the expansion dimensions attained, and the amount released to filter paper. In part B, the in vitro release of mitomycin C to an enucleated pig eye was examined. In part C, the in vivo release during intraoperative filtering surgery was tested. RESULTS: The amount of mitomycin C solution absorbed by the HCLSs ranged from 1.07 x 10(-2) mg to 1.19 x 10(-2) mg; expansion width ranged from 6.8 mm to 7.0 mm; expansion height ranged from 3.6 mm to 3.8 mm; expansion thickness was constant at 0.6 mm. The amount of solution released to filter paper ranged from 6.8 x 10(-3) mg to 8.6 x 10(-3) mg. The amount of solution transferred to the pig eye ranged from 1.0 x 10(-3) mg to 2.7 x 10(-3) mg. The amount of solution released in filtering surgery ranged from 2.0 x 10(-3) mg to 4.8 x 10(-3) mg. CONCLUSIONS: The contact surface area, the amount absorbed, and the amount released by each HCLS was reproducible. The uniform thickness theoretically provides a uniform distribution of mitomycin C. This method may allow standardization of intraoperative mitomycin C application, and may reduce the incidence of complications.

Absorption↗

PubMed1992

Toxic effects of 5-fluorouracil on fibroblasts following trabeculectomy.

The inhibitory effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on fibroblast proliferation is well established. In addition, toxic effects of 5-FU on existing fibroblasts, in rabbits and in vitro, were demonstrated. We examined human subconjunctival scar tissue which was removed during Molteno tube implantation. Surgery was performed 9 weeks after filtering surgery with 5-FU that resulted in bleb scarring. In the tissue, intracytoplasmic vacuoles were detected in some myofibroblasts, with no visible collagen in their vicinity. This presumed toxic effect of 5-FU may be one explanation for the adequacy of fewer than twice 5-FU injections daily following filtering surgery, and for less than 14 days, as originally recommended for inhibiting bleb scarring.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Subconjunctival sodium hyaluronate 2.3% in trabeculectomy: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of subconjunctival sodium hyaluronate 2.3% in increasing the success rate of glaucoma filtering surgery and promoting filtering blebs with characteristics presumed to predict better success. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-five patients scheduled for glaucoma surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent routine trabeculectomy, with or without phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. In the study group (n = 28), sodium hyaluronate 2.3% was injected between the scleral and conjunctival flaps at the conclusion of the surgery. In the control group (n = 27), balanced salt solution (BSS) was injected in the same fashion, in an unmasked design. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Surgical success was defined as (1) a complete success if the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 21 mmHg or less without any antiglaucoma medication, and (2) a qualified success if the IOP was 21 mmHg or less, with or without antiglaucoma medication. Patients requiring additional surgery, including needling, or with IOP more than 21 mmHg, even when receiving antiglaucoma medications, were considered to have failed treatment. Success rates in both groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The morphologic characteristics of the filtering blebs were evaluated using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale. Other outcome measures were IOP, visual acuity, need for antiglaucoma medication, and any complications. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the study (27 in the study group and 25 in the control group), with a mean follow-up of 12.3 months. Complete success rates were 77.8% for the study group and 84.0% for the control group 12 months after surgery (P>0.5); qualified success rates were 88.9% for the study group and 92.0% for the control group (P>0.6). Mean IOP decreased from 26.0+/-10.0 mmHg to 11.6+/-4.1 mmHg in the study eyes (P<0.001) and from 24.9+/-9.7 mmHg to 13.0+/-4.1 mmHg in the control eyes (P<0.001). Intraocular pressure measurements in both groups were similar at all visits (P>0.05). The study eyes had more diffuse blebs than the control eyes (62.5% > or =4 clock-hours vs. 22.7%; P = 0.012). Postoperative complications were similar in the study eyes (14.8%) and the control eyes (20.0%; P>0.6). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in success rates in patients who received subconjunctival sodium hyaluronate 2.3% compared to BSS injections. Subconjunctival sodium hyaluronate 2.3% was associated with more diffuse blebs after filtering surgery.

Acetates↗

PubMed1996

Pentoxifylline and pentifylline inhibit proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts and production of type-I collagen and laminin in vitro.

After glaucoma filtering surgery, an excessive repopulation of Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (TCFs) with the accumulation of extracellular matrix including collagen types during wound healing may cause scarring of the bleb, resulting in surgical failure. Pentoxifylline (PTX) and pentifylline (PTF), both methylxanthine derivatives, are known to inhibit protein synthesis and proliferation of cells in vitro. We examined the effects of these agents on the proliferation of cultured human TCFs and their production of type-I collagen COOH-terminal peptide (PIP) and laminin to investigate the potential use of the agents as antifibrotic agents after filtering surgery. Both agents inhibited the proliferation of cultured human TCFs and their production of PIP and laminin. The inhibitory effects of PTF on proliferation and production of PIP and laminin were greater than those of PTX. These methylxanthine derivatives may have clinical utility in preventing excessive bleb scarring after glaucoma filtering surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Late-onset blebitis/endophthalmitis: incidence and outcomes with mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of patients who had late infections after undergoing filtering surgery with mitomycin C with respect to treatment, resultant vision, and maintenance of intraocular pressure. METHODS: A retrospective review of 233 eyes that underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C with or without coincident cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion from August 1993 to June 1997 was undertaken. Records were examined for postoperative infection occurring at least 6 months after filtering surgery. Age, sex, date, and type of surgery were reviewed and entered into a computerized database. RESULTS: Bleb infections occurred in 6 of 233 (2.6%) eyes that underwent mitomycin C filtering surgery. Four of these developed endophthalmitis. The average postoperative time until infection was 24.7 months. Two patients had bleb leaks, one of which progressed to endophthalmitis. On resolution of infection, all blebs remained functional, and vision returned to preblebitis acuities in 67%. CONCLUSION: Aggressive topical antibiotic therapy with daily observation may be appropriate in selected cases of late-onset blebitis and endophthalmitis. Eyes may continue to have good visual outcomes and functioning filters without need for additional surgery or hospitalization. Early recognition and appropriate management of infections may play a role in these outcomes.

Aged↗

PubMed1988

Long-term reduction of intraocular pressure after repeat argon laser trabeculoplasty.

Thirty-eight eyes (in 31 patients with glaucoma) that had shown a favorable response to an initial argon laser trabeculoplasty had a repeat laser trabeculoplasty four to 81 months (mean +/- S.E.M., 23 +/- 3 months) later because of inadequately controlled intraocular pressures. A mean (+/- S.E.M.) of 65 +/- 3 burns (range, 50 to 115) were given during the initial laser trabeculoplasty, and 58 +/- 2 burns (range, 36 to 100) were given during the first repeat treatment. Three months after the first repeat laser trabeculoplasty, one eye (3%) had undergone filtering surgery and 30 eyes (78%) were considered successes. Of the 30 eyes that were followed up for 12 months after the first repeat laser trabeculoplasty, two (7%) had undergone filtering surgery, three (10%) had received a second repeat laser trabeculoplasty, and 22 (73%) were successes. Fifteen eyes underwent a second repeat laser trabeculoplasty at six to 47 months (mean +/- S.E.M., 21 +/- 3 months) after the first repeat laser trabeculoplasty. Seven (47%) of these eyes required filtering surgery within three to 12 months after the second repeat laser trabeculoplasty. Four of 38 (11%) of the initial, two of 38 (5%) of the first repeat, and zero of 15 of the second repeat laser trabeculoplasty treatments resulted in a one- to two-hour rise in intraocular pressure of at least 10 mm Hg.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Conjunctival changes related to topical treatment and effectiveness of surgery in glaucoma].

PURPOSE: The topical treatment for a long run in glaucoma rises histopathological changes of conjunctiva. The study is aimed at assessing the correlations between conjunctival changes bound of the type and duration of medical glaucoma therapy and the efficiency of subsequent filtering surgery. METHOD: For this purpose, we carried out a three years clinical prospective study (01.05.2000-30.04.2003), with a mean follow-up period of 18.5 months, enrolling 22 cases (38 eyes) operated by trabeculectomy for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), with the same technique and the same surgeon. There were excluded both the patients with previous ophthalmic surgical interventions and ocular/systemic chronic inflammatory disease. The cases were divided according to type and duration of topical treatment. There were recorded the conjunctival changes (by histological exam and immunohistochemistry), dynamic evolution of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the morphological aspects of filtering blebs. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: In all groups, the efficiency of filtering surgery was correlated with the duration of topical medication; the survey presents the correlations between topical treatment, conjunctival changes and postoperative evolution. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exhaustive topical treatment in POAG, for a long period, with many drugs may represent a negative prognostic factor for the subsequent filtering surgery. Therefore it is necessary an individual approach for the first line therapy in POAG.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2000

[Combined glaucoma and cataract operation with foldable posterior chamber lens implantation. Long-term outcome and complications].

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma patients who need filtering surgery very often have cataracts as well. Combined glaucoma/cataract surgery entails a higher rate of complications and may endanger the results of glaucoma surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study investigated 223 eyes in 169 patients with uncontrolled glaucoma and cataracts. Each eye received filtering surgery and simultaneous phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable posterior chamber lens. Mean follow-up was 32.5 months (6-57). RESULTS: Mean intraocular pressure was lowered from 24.6 +/- 6.2 to 16.4 +/- 3.4 mmHg (P > 0.0001). Visual acuity improved from 0.25 (0.01-0.5) to 0.5 (0.01-1.0). Preoperatively the mean number of medications was 2.4 (1-6) and postoperatively 1.3 (1 or 2). The most common perioperative complications were choroidal detachment (20.2%) and fibrin reaction in 10.1%; those occurring later than 4 weeks postoperatively were posterior capsule opacification requiring YAG laser capsulotomy (11.5%) and scarring of filtering bleb (7.7%). CONCLUSION: Complications encountered in the combined procedure were due mainly due to cataract surgery of glaucomatous eyes with narrow pupils and posterior synechiae. A shallow anterior chamber occurred in only one case. Despite complications the success rate in lowering intraocular pressure was comparable to that observed in filtering surgery alone.

Aged↗

PubMed1989

[Argon laser trabeculoplasty for open angle glaucoma--a four year follow-up].

79 patients (105 eyes) with uncontrolled open angle glaucoma underwent argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). The average pressure drop was 10.7 mmHg in 58 eyes at one year, 10.1 mmHg in 35 eyes at two years, 9.9 mm Hg in 48 eyes at three years and 10.2 mmHg in 24 eyes at four years. Teh mean success rate was 78%, failures occurred in the first six months in 21 of 23 eyes, the remaining eyes failed at three years, 18 eyes (17%) required filtering surgery. Average medication scores varied little from year 1 through year 4, 45 eyes (42.9%) were being treated with few medications after ALT. The results of ALT depend on the severity of glaucoma: the eyes with advanced disc damage (C/D greater than 0.9, visual field less than 20 degrees) had 59% rate of filtering surgery, while the eyes with C/D 0.6-0.8, visual field greater than 20 degrees at ALT had a filtering surgery rate of 3%.

Aged↗