Effect of trabeculectomy on corneal clarity in primary open-angle glaucoma patients

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To examine possible changes in Scheimpflug corneal densitometry 12 months after trabeculectomy and compare these measurements with healthy controls. Methods In the patient group, corneal densitometry with Scheimpflug Pentacam HR corneal topography was evaluated in three different corneal regions (0–2, 2–6, 6–10 mm) and four quadrants (upper, lower, temporal, nasal) before trabeculectomy and 12 months after surgery. It was compared with the control group. The number and duration of use of IOP-lowering agents, daily applications, and benzalkonium chloride (BAC) content were recorded before surgery. Results Mean IOP from 25.8 ± 4.7 to 14.5 ± 3.0 mm Hg (p < 0.001) and amount of pressure reducing agents from 3.5 ± 0.5 to 0.4 ± 0.5 ( P < 0.001) there was a statistically significant decrease. 85% of the topical agents contained benzalkonium chloride.Total corneal densitometry values at the 12th month before and after surgery in the POAG patient group were significantly decreased in all zones and quadrants except the nasal quadrant in the 2–6 mm zone and the temporal quadrant in the 6–10 mm zone. There was no statistically significant difference in all zones and quadrants when compared with the control group after surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusion Glaucoma surgeries not only reduce eye pressure but also protect corneal health.