Complications of Trabeculectomy

Glaucoma is a chronic ischemic optic neuropathy characterized by an optic atrophy and progressive visual field loss. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the most important risk factors. The aim of the treatment is to reduce IOP. IOP lowering therapy methods are divided into three groups as medical therapy, laser therapy and surgical treatment. Penetrating glaucoma surgery is applied against uncontrolled high IOP despite the maximum tolerated medical therapy or after a failed laser trabeculoplasty. The main reason for the delay in conventional trabeculectomy is the risk of postoperative complications associated with high failure rate especially in high risk groups. Nevertheless, more secure and successful surgery is made with new advancements. Today, trabeculectomy remains the gold standard in the surgical treatment of glaucoma and is performed widely in our country and all around the world to decrease IOP in refractory glaucoma. In this review, the clinical characteristics and treatment options for complications after trabeculectomy are discussed according to recent literature.