Implantation of a scleral strip into the supraciliary space and cyclodialysis in glaucoma.

Since 1975 the operation of implantation of a scleral strip (10 mm long and 2 mm wide) has been performed on 75 glaucomatous patients. The following variants of surgical technique were used: (1) implantation of an autoscleral strip into the supraciliary space, (2) implantation of an autoscleral strip combined with cyclodialysis and (3) implantation of a homoscleral (cadaver) strip combined with cyclodialysis. The first technique was employed in 12 cases. The intraocular pressure was controlled by surgery alone in only four eyes, though a decrease in the level of the intraocular pressure and an increase in the C-value occurred in each case. No significant difference between the results obtained with the second and the third techniques was found. Of 63 eyes operated on, the intraocular pressure was controlled in 41 eyes (65%) by surgery alone and in 11 other eyes with the help of miotics 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Follow-up was for a period of from 12 to 23 months in 51 cases. The pressure was under control in 36 eyes (71%) without medication and in 10 more eyes with miotics. The rate of complications was low. Hyphaema appeared in 10 cases and mild iridocyclitis occurred in 11 cases. There was no case of choroidal detachment, persistent hypotony or flat anterior chamber after surgery.