Deep sclerectomy in congenital glaucoma. Preliminary results]

PURPOSE: Trabeculectomy is an efficient procedure for congenital glaucoma, but can lead to postoperative complications. These complications seem to be less frequent with deep sclerectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate results of this surgical technique for congenital glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve eyes from eight patients (age 2 to 84 months) with congenital glaucoma underwent sclerectomy and were followed-up for 10 months postoperatively. Success criteria was intraocular pressure inferior to 16 mm Hg under general anaesthesia. RESULTS: No per or immediate postoperative complication was observed. For nine eyes (75%), intraocular pressure was controlled at final examination. For three eyes, postoperative intraocular pressure was elevated and one of them underwent re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Success rate of sclerectomy for congenital glaucoma is equivalent to trabeculectomy. Absence of anterior chamber opening diminishes postoperative complications risk. Further study with longer follow-up is currently under evaluation.