[Are functional disturbances in chronic simple glaucoma indispensable for carrying out a covered sclerectomy operation? (author's transl)].

The existence of functional disturbances in chronic simple glaucoma is generally considered to be an indispensable prerequisite in deciding to perform a glaucoma operation. The favorable results obtained with the covered sclerectomies and their small percentage of postoperative complications have encouraged the authors to prefer operative treatment over conservative magangement more often in chronic simple glaucoma. The decision between operative and conservative management does not however depend solely on the existence of visual field defects. It also depends on the social status of the patient, poor drug tolerance and other factors as well.