LONG-TERM RESULTS AFTER FILTERING SURGERY WITH LIMBAL-BASED AND FORNIX-BASED CONJUNCTIVAL FLAPS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term results of filterin g surgery using either a limbal-based or fornix-based flap. PATIENTS A ND METHODS: From 1985 to 1988, 90 eyes of 81 glaucoma patients undergo ing filtering surgery were included in a prospective randomized clinic al trial. They were alternately operated on with either a limbal-based or fornix-based conjunctival flap. The authors evaluated the function al and morphologic long-term results of 34 eyes (18 fornix based, 16 l imbal based) after a minimum follow-up of 6 years. Intraocular pressur e (IOP), visual acuity, visual field, intensity of symptoms due to dry eyes, and corneal overlap of the filtering bleb using planimetry were reexamined. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference of IOP r eduction, deterioration of visual acuity, deterioration of visual fiel d, sicca score, or corneal overlap of the filtering bleb was found bet ween the limbal-based and fornix-based groups. There was no correlatio n between corneal overlap of the filtering bleb and the sicca score. C ONCLUSION: The long-term results of fornix-based and limbal-based filt ering surgery did not show a statistically significant difference.