Comparison of the Effect of Trabeculectomy in Controlling Intraocular Pressure in Pseudo-Exfoliaiton and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of the trabeculectomy in controlling intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle and pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma.

Materials and Methods: The medical data of a sum of 69 eyes of which 36 (52,2%) with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 33 (47,8%) with pseudo-exfoliation (PEG), who have medically uncontrolled glaucoma and had undergone primary trabeculectomy in Göztepe Education and Research Hospital were evaluated in this retrospective study. Postoperatively, data at the first day, at the first month, and at the last examination evaluated in the study. Success of the surgery is defined as measurement of intraocular pressure under 21 mmHg with (incomplete success) or without (complete success) additional medications following the end of the first year follow-up examinations.

Results: POAG group consists of 36 patients of which 16 male, 20 female and PEG group consists of 33 patients of which 21 male and 12 female. The mean age was 67.2±9.1 (42-80) years in POAG group and 70.7±6.6 (55-80) years in PEG group. There was no statistically significant difference between POAG and PEG groups in visual acuity, mean intraocular pressure, c/d ratio and the number of antiglaucomatous medications preoperatively and postoperatively (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in groups between post and preoperative values in visual acuity, mean intraocular pressure, c/d ratio and the number of antiglaucomatous medications (p<0.05) Success of the trabeculectomy was 41,7% (complete success), 41,7% (incomplete success) and remaining 16,6% was unsuccessful, in POAG group and success rate in PEG group was 51.5%, 27,3% and 21,2% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.738).

Conclusion: Trabeculectomy is an effective surgery in lowering intraocular pressure in both of the study groups equally.