Long-term follow up of primary trabeculectomy for infantile glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for infantile glaucoma is surgical. Treatment options include goniotomy, trabeculotomy, combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy, and trabeculectomy. METHODS: Patients who had a follow up of 5 years or longer after primary trabeculectomy were examined to determine the long term stability in infantile glaucoma. RESULTS: In eyes with primary infantile glaucoma 92.3% achieved control of their glaucoma with a single trabeculectomy; 100% achieved control with two trabeculectomies; 85.7% of eyes with secondary infantile glaucoma achieved control with a single trabeculectomy. There were no serious complications experienced in either group. CONCLUSION: Primary trabeculectomy is a safe and successful operation for infantile glaucoma.