ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate episcleral venous fluid wave (EVFW) during GATT surgery in patients with advanced stage open angle glaucoma and to investigate its relationship with the severity of glaucoma. METHODS: In all, 34 eyes of 28 open angle glaucoma patients who underwent GATT surgery were included into study. The extent of EVFW was evaluated using surgical records of patients and it was defined as number of clock hours. Correlations between the extent of EVFW and GAAT surgical outcomes as determined by intraocular pressures (IOP) and postoperative antiglaucoma medication needs were investigated. The impact of preoperative maximum IOP on EVFW was also evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between IOPs and the extent of the EVFW at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months follow-up visits. 10 of (%29.4) 34 eyes required antiglaucoma medications after the surgery. Mean extents of EVFW in patients who needed and did not need medications during follow-ups were 2.6 ± 1.0 (1-4) and 5.9 ± 1.5 (3-8) clock hours and the difference was statistically significant. Cutoff value of <4.5 clock hours for the EVFW (sensitivity 79.2%, specifity 100%) was found to be associated with the need for additional antiglaucoma medication. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of EVFW might be a valuable prognostic indicator for the surgical success of GATT since trabeculotomy is circumferential in this surgical technique making all collector channels accessible.
