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Abstract #6222 Published in IGR 2-2
Is filtering surgery in glaucoma patients with advanced visual field loss associated with an increased risk of postoperative functional loss?
Thiel H-J; Denk PO; Knorr MOphthalmologe 2000; 97: 336-341
BACKGROUND: The authors evaluated the prevalence of the loss of visual acuity due to loss of the central portion of the visual field and foveolar fixation in the first week after glaucoma filtering surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors included 408 patients, in whom glaucoma filtering surgery had been performed between January 1993 and April 1997 at the University Eye Clinic in Tübingen and who had completed one-year follow-up examinations. The retrospective evaluation included preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data. They excluded all patients who did not complete the one-year follow-up examinations (12±3 months), who died during the one-year follow-up, who had combined glaucoma and cataract surgery, or in whom the Molteno implant procedure was performed. RESULTS: A total of 404 patients (99.3%) did not suffer loss of the central visual field and foveolar fixation in the first week after glaucoma filtering surgery. In 11 cases, loss of visual acuity >2 dB was due to progressive lens opacification. One patient suffered from postoperative progression of his age-related maculopathy. In one patient (0.2%) progression of a pre-existing relative central scotoma occurred immediately after the operation. Two patients (0.5%) suffered from loss of fixation and the central visual field immediately after glaucoma filtering surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of the central visual field and central fixation immediately after glaucoma filtering surgery is a rare complication. Therefore, glaucoma filtering surgery can also be recommended for patients with advanced visual field defects. LA: German
Dr. H.-J. Thiel, Universitäts-Augenklinik Abteilung I, Schleichstrasse 12, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
Classification:
12.1 General management, indication (Part of: 12 Surgical treatment)
