Four year follow-up of a glaucoma operation. Prospective study of the double flap Scheie.

This paper presents the four-year follow-up results of a prospective study on the results of the Double Flap Scheie. The study was started in 1971 and the pre- and post-operative evaluation was carried out according to carefully selected criteria. Admitted were only open angle glaucoma patients. Diurnal IOP-curves, static perimetry, evaluation of lens and optic disc in mydriasis were included in the complete pre- and post-operative examination. In the Douible Flap Scheie a conjunctival and scleral flap are made followed by a cornea-scleral cauterization and incision after which a peripheral iridectomy is made. 51 eyes of 48 patients were operated. After 4 years 42 eyes of 37 patients could still be examined. The mean IOP was reduced from 33.0 to 17.3 mm without additional therapy. This is a mean percentage reduction of 48.5%. 75% of the mean IOP was under 21 mm; with additional therapie 91% was under 21 mm. Diurnal variation decreased from 7 to 4 mm. 48% of the eyes showed a decreased visual acuity of which 38% was caused by cataract. 52% showed visual field deterioration of which one third was attributed to cataract. In 24% the visual field deterioration was considered clinically important. There was no clear relation between IOP level and visual field deterioration.