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Success of trabeculotomy in patients with congenital glaucoma operated on within 3 months of birth.

Yalvac IS, Satana B, Suveren A, Eksioglu U, Duman S

Glaucoma Department, Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. iyalvac@hotmail.com

AIMS: To determine the efficacy and safety of trabeculotomy in congenital glaucoma patients operated on within first 3 months of birth. METHODS: A total of 36 eyes of 24 patients with congenital glaucoma, who underwent primary trabeculotomy within first 3 months of birth were included. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), corneal clarity, diameter, axial length, success rates, and complications were evaluated in this study. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 38.38+/-11.77 months (range 12-48 months). Mean IOP was 33.16+/-7.28 mmHg (range 23-50 mmHg) preoperatively. At the final follow-up visit, the mean IOP was 21.41+/-7.34 mmHg (range 8-38 mmHg). Pre-and postoperative IOP differences were statistically significant at all examination periods (P<0.001). A12-, 24-, and 36-month success rates were 92, 82, and 74%, respectively. Survival analysis regarding to gender, preoperative corneal diameter and consaguinity were not statistically significant. Only preoperative axial length was a statistically significant parameter (P=0.024) for success. Postoperatively normal corneal clarity was achieved in 29 eyes (80.5%). The main complications were shallow anterior chamber in one (4.2%) eye and detachment of Descement's membrane in two (8.4%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Primary trabeculotomy is a safe and effective procedure for congenital glaucoma patients when operated within 3 months of birth. It has a favourable IOP control and a low rate of complications in three year period.

Published 5 April 2007 in Eye, 21(4): 459-64.
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