Paracentesis of anterior chamber in primary angle-closure glaucoma with persistent high intraocular pressure

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of paracentesis of anterior chamber before trabeculectomy in treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma with persistent high intraocular pressure. Methods: Fifty-nine cases with primary glaucoma in failure to reducing the intraocular pressure were randomized into two treatment or control group for observing the results. Patients in the control group underwent paracentesis of anterior chamber with aid of slit lamp 1~2 days prior to the trabeculectomy for reducing the intraocular pressure, whereas those in the treatment group received intraoperative paracentesis of anterior chamber. Results: There was no significant difference in visual acuity in the two groups 1 month after the surgery, but the intraocular pressure differed greatly on day 1 and 3, in week 1 and 3 after the procedure. The intraocular pressure in the controls remained stable and that, together with filtering blebs, showed no change in both groups 3 months after the operation. Conclusion: Intraoperative paracentesis of anterior chamber is safe and effective in glaucoma with persistent high intraocular pressure.