Management of hypotony and flat anterior chamber associated with glaucoma filtration surgery

Abstract

AIM:To determine the effectiveness of pharmacological and interventional treatment of hypotony and flat anterior chamber (FAC) resulting from glaucoma filtration surgery.METHODS:We retrospectively examined the medical records of fifty-two trabeculectomy patients (52 eyes) who developed postoperative hypotony and FAC. The management and associated complications of hypotony, changing intraocular pressure (IOP) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated.RESULT:Of the 52 patients with hypotony, 29 (56%) had a grade 1 FAC, 21 (40%) had a grade 2 FAC, and only 2 had a grade 3 FAC. There was no significant difference between the mean preoperative IOP and the mean IOP at three and six months after surgery. Thirteen eyes (25%) required antiglaucomatous medication three months after surgery. The mean BCVA at 6mo after surgery was significantly reduced as compared with the mean preoperative BCVA.CONCLUSION:Hypotonia and FAC following trabeculectomy are associated with troublesome complications that require pharmacological and/or surgical treatment. Thus, close follow-up is essential for affected patients.

Keywords

• hypotony
• flat anterior chamber
• trabeculectomy