No changes in anatomical and functional glaucoma evaluation after trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of glaucoma filtration surgery on anatomical and functional tests for glaucoma evaluation.

METHODS

Twenty-five eyes (25 patients) with primary open-angle glaucoma were evaluated, prospectively. Data were collected on vision acuity, intraocular pressure, standard automated perimetry, frequency doubling technology perimetry, scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT II) before and 3-6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Mean (+/-SD) pre- and postoperative visual acuities (logMAR) were 0.28 (+/-0.18) and 0.30 (+/-0.17), respectively (P=0.346). In a mean time of 4.5 (+/-1.1) months after surgery, the mean preoperative intraocular pressure of 20.7 (+/-5.4) mmHg decreased to 11.04 (+/-2.52) mmHg (P<0.001). The results of the standard automated perimetry, frequency doubling technology perimetry, scanning laser polarimetry and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy diagnostic methods revealed no significant difference (P>0.162) between pre and postoperative values and no significant correlation (P>0.296) between intraocular pressure reduction and value changes.

CONCLUSION

No significant change on any test variable was detected after glaucoma filtration surgery. Trabeculectomy does not appear to influence standard automated perimetry, frequency doubling technology perimetry, scanning laser polarimetry and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT II) results after a 4.5-month period of surgery in early to moderate glaucoma.