PURPOSE:Non-penetrating glaucoma surgeries have been advocated to
decrease possible postoperative complications, however their intraocular
pressure (IOP) lowering effects were still questionable. Since mitomycin-C
(MMC)has been shown to increase the success rate of glaucoma filtration surgery,
in this study we assessed the efficacy and post-operative complications of MMC
augmented viscocanalostomy in young Asian patients with glaucoma. PATIENTS
AND METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 18 young
patients (less than 35 years old) who underwent MMC augmented viscosanalostomy
to lower IOP were enrolled in this study. Best-corrected visual acuity,
anterior chamber status, IOP and fundus examinations were compared before and
after surgery. RESULTS: With a minimal follow-up of 15 months, it was noted that
the mean IOP dropped from 28.2 mmHg pre-operatively to 8 mmHg (2nd day),14.3
mmHg (one month), 17.6 mmHg (6 months) and 18.9 mmHg (last follow-up)
post-operatively. Complete success rate, defined as an IOP lower than 21 mmHg
with or without medication was 91.3%.