Changes in the Intraocular Pressure of Fellow Untreated Eyes Following Uncomplicated Trabeculectomy

Abstract

Previous studies have reported changes in the intraocular pressure (IOP) of fellow eyes following unilateral trabeculectomy or selective laser trabeculoplasty. This study evaluates changes in the IOP of fellow eyes following unilateral trabeculectomy and examines correlations of findings with clinical information. Sixty-one patients who underwent unilateral uncomplicated trabeculectomy were included. The IOP of both eyes was recorded on postoperative days 2, 3, 4, 15, 30, 60, and 90. Differences between preoperative and postoperative IOP in both eyes and correlations with clinical parameters were examined. The IOP of the fellow eyes was significantly reduced on the fourth postoperative day. This reduction was significantly correlated (inversely) with central corneal thickness of fellow eyes and with the level of IOP reduction to the operated eyes. The IOP of the fellow eyes remains largely unchanged during the first 3 months following trabeculectomy. However, a significant short-term reduction is noted on the fourth day, implying that unknown (possibly neurocrine) mechanisms may participate in the regulation of the IOP of fellow eyes.