Trabeculectomy layer-by-layer

Non-penetrating layer-by-layer trabeculectomy in ostias of Schlemm's canal produces a pronounced and sustained effect and can be applied successfully in patients with therapy resistant open angle glaucoma, according to Dr Dashevskiy from the Munich University of Technology, Germany.

The surgery was performed on 14 eyes of 10 patients (mean IOP 28.4±3.8 mmHg, mean age 70.3±5.4 years). Postoperative IOP, at one-year follow-up, was recorded at 13.1±2.3 mmHg. In each subject the hypotensive effect was absolute (without medications), whilst in five patients (36%), hyphaema appeared during surgery but dissolved in all cases between two and three days postoperatively.

Dr Dashevskiy believes that this novel surgical approach could represent a successful way of treating patients with therapy resistant glaucoma.