Is it Time to Overthrow Trabeculectomy as an Initial Surgical Procedure for Non High Risk Open Angle Glaucomas?

Authors: Kandarakis A

DOI: 10.23880/oajo-16000101

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Surgical practice patterns for managing glaucoma have changed the last decade since popularity of tube shunt implantation has progressively increased and that of trabeculectomy has decreased. Specifically, Medicare fee-for-service data claims that between 1995 and 2004 trabeculectomies in eyes without previous surgery or trauma decreased 53% whereas the number of aqueous shunting devices placed rose 184%. Also, according to a survey of the American Glaucoma Society there was a rise in the proportion of surgeons using tube shunts and a decline in the popularity of trabeculectomy (1996: Τubes 17.5% vs Trabeculectomy 80.8%, 2008: Τubes 50.8%vsTrabeculectomy 45.5%). 

Keywords: Trabeculectomy; Glaucoma; Glaucoma Drainage Device

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