PREVENTION OF HYPOTONY AFTER TRABECULECTOMIES WITH MITOMYCINE

Hypotony with reduced a reduced visual acuity is often seen after trab eculectomy with mitomycine. In this study we describe measures such as reattaching the sleral flap with at least seven nylon sutures and the controlled and delayed use of argon laser suture lysis. With these pr eventative measures the percentage of hypotonies (IOP less than or equ al to 6 mmHg) three months after surgery was reduced from 38 to 15% an d chronically reduced visual acuity was reduced from 38 to 5%. With th ese adaptations in the surgical technique the complication rate of tra beculectomies with mitomycine can be markedly reduced without affectin g the mean IOP (10.9 mmHg versus 10.8 mmHg) three months after surgery and the percentage of eyes with IOP 18 mmHg or less without medicatio n (94 Versus 91%).