Filtration surgery in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma

The disappointing visual acuity results following cyclocryotherapy for neovascular glaucoma have prompted us to consider filtration surgery as a reasonable alternative in the treatment of selected patients. All cases of surgically treated neovascular glaucoma were reviewed. There were 26 operations in 24 eyes with a follow-up ranging from six months to seven years and a mean of 22.8 months. Adequate pressure control was obtained in 16 of the 24 eyes (67%). In the eyes with successful control of intraocular pressure, vision was 20/400 or better in eight of the 16 eyes (50%). Four patients (17%) lost light perception. Approximately one half of the operations were trabeculectomies, and the others were posterior lip sclerectomies. There seemed to be no significant difference in the final intraocular pressure levels, number or degree of complications, or successes within the two subgroups. Panretinal photocoagulation, topical steroids, cycloplegics, and time for these measures to have their effect are important preoperative adjuncts to surgical treatment. We are encouraged by the long-term preservation of vision and control of intraocular pressure in many of these eyes.