Comparison of trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS implantation in fellow eyes of the same patient: A prospective, randomised study

Abstract

Purpose: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) over time after standard trabeculectomy vsEx-PRESS implantation in patients with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Design: Prospective, randomised study. Patients and methods: This study included adult patients with bilateral POAG necessitating surgery. Each patient underwent trabeculectomy in one eye and Ex-PRESS implantation under a scleral flap in the other eye according to randomised contralateral allocations. Efficacy was assessed by IOP values and success rates (IOP threshold and/or need for topical glaucoma medication) during 30 months. Statistical analysis included Generalised Estimate Equation and Cox Survival models, and paired t-tests. Results: Thirty eyes of 15 patients were studied for a mean of 23.6 months (SD, ±6.9). At the last follow-up visit, mean pre-operative IOP decreased from 31.1 (±14.2) to 16.2 (±1.5) mm Hg after trabeculectomy, and from 28.1 (±9.0) to 15.7 (±1.8) mm Hg after Ex-PRESS implantation (P=0.001). The mean number of anti-glaucoma medicines prescribed at the last follow-up decreased from 3.7 pre-operatively (both groups) to 0.9 after trabeculectomy vs0.3 after Ex-PRESS implantation (P=0.001). Complete success rates (5