The effect of deep sclerectomy on intraocular pressure of normal-tension glaucoma patients: 1-year results.

PURPOSE: To study the intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing effect of deep sclerectomy on normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 21 eyes of 18 consecutive NTG patients who had undergone deep sclerectomy with mitomycin-C and a collagen implant.

RESULTS

Median (range) preoperative IOP was 15.1 mmHg (9.3-20.8) and median follow-up time 13 months (12-18). At the 1-year follow-up visit, median IOP was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced to 10.5 mmHg (4-15) with median IOP reduction from preoperative values of 37% (12-78). Laser goniopuncture was performed in 10 eyes (48%) 1-16 months postoperatively. After 13 months' follow-up, a complete success at 20%, 25% and 30% IOP reduction levels was achieved in 67%, 62% and 52% of eyes, respectively. Few complications were encountered, but these included reduced visual acuity, problems with conjunctiva, microperforation, hyphaema, Dellen formation and encapsulated bleb. We encountered no complications related to postoperative hypotony.

CONCLUSION

Deep sclerectomy with a collagen implant and mitomycin-C was a safe and effective method for reducing IOP in NTG patients during 1-year follow-up.