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Cataract, loss of visual acuity, infection after trabeculectomy
Author(s) -
BRON AM
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.3453.x
Subject(s) - trabeculectomy , medicine , endophthalmitis , glaucoma , bleb (medicine) , intraocular pressure , ophthalmology , glaucoma surgery , surgery
Purpose Trabeculectomy is the most popular surgery for glaucoma, however some complications may impair the success of the procedure. Moreover without impacting the overall efficacy of trabeculectomy, the quality of life of the patients could be affected in a certain number of cases. Methods In this session we will give some tips to prevent and to treat these complications. Results Cataract is frequent after trabeculectomy and is mainly related to postoperative hypotony. In most recent clinical studies cataract has been shown to occur in half of the eyes 3 years after trabeculectomy. This has led H Jampel to write a provocative editorial; Trabeculectomy: more effective at causing cataract surgery than lowering intraocular pressure (Ophthalmology 2009;116:173‐174). In advanced cases, severe sight‐threatening complications such as the wipe‐out syndrome, even uncommon may definitely lead the patient to blindness. The two more frequent presentations of infection after trabeculectomy are blebitis and endophthalmitis. Both can occur several years after trabeculectomy and Streptococci which are frequently found are devastating strains. Antimetabolites greatly increase the prevalence of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy. Other less severe complications such as bleb dysesthesia may alter the quality of life of the patients. Conclusion The information of the patients and the quality of the follow‐up are of paramount importance when a trabeculectomy is considered.