Objectives: To evaluate long-term intraocular pressure results after trabeculectomy in low risk patients. Therefore differences among glaucoma type and previous medical treatment will be evaluated.
Methods: A retrospective follow-up study, ranging between 3 and 20 years, was carried out on 965 trabeculectomy surgeries without any surgical- failure factor. Follow-up was carried-out one day, one week, one month, three months, six months and annually after surgery until the last visit. Primary open angle (POAG) (671 eyes), pseudoexfoliative (PSXG) (156 eyes) and chronic closure angle glaucomas (CCAG) (138 eyes) were included. IOP under 21 Hg mm without medical treatment was considered absolute success, relative success included those eyes with pressures under 21 and one or two daily antiglaucomatous drops.
Results: Mean IOP ranged between 15 and 17 Hg mm. Mean IOP decreased from 30.7 to 37.4%. Relative success ten years after surgery was better in POAG; whereas absolute success resulted to be similar in POAG and PSXG. The group of patients less treated before surgery showed greater rate of absolute and relative success.
Conclusions: Trabeculectomy alone is an efficient technique in long-term tensional control for uncomplicated eyes. The group of patients less treated before surgery and POAG showed greater rate success.