Comparative Efficacy and Safety Profile Between Trabeculectomy and Deep Sclerectomy

Aim: The purpose of this study is, to compare the efficacy and safety of nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy and trabeculectomy in the management of medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Material and Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients followed up our glaucoma policlinic. Twenty-nine eyes of 23 patients which have medically uncontrolled glaucoma were included in the study. Number of medications, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and follow-up time were recorded preoperatively, postoperative 1st day, 7th day, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, and the last visit. Postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Trabeculectomy was performed in 21 eyes, deep sclerectomy in 8 eyes. There was no difference between groups in terms of preoperative number of medications, intraocular pressure, visual acuity, follow-up time, postoperative follow-up time, number of medications, visual acuity and access to target intraocular pressure. The intraocular pressure reduction was significantly differ in the two groups on the day 1 (p=0,038) and 7 (p=0,045) and the reduction was higher in trabeculectomy group. Postoperative complications included three cases of hypotonia in the trabeculectomy group. Discussion: Both techniques, trabeculectomy and deep sclerectomy, control intraocular pressure at our end point. For early reduction of intraocular pressure, trabeculectomy, in order to avoid hypotonia deep sclerectomy should be preferred