Stage of glaucoma damage before surgery

Introduction/Objective The aim of study was to collect information about factors related to glaucoma damage at the time of surgery in Novi Sad, Vojvodina province, Serbia. Methods Retrospective data collection on filtrating procedures of 38 patients with open-angle glaucoma was performed. The study was done at the University Eye Clinic, Clinical center of Vojvodina, Serbia between July 2011 and December 2014. The following variables were collected from a data collection sheet at last visit for each patient: age, sex, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field indices (MD and PSD), number of active antiglaucoma drugs, glaucoma type, and surgical procedures. Results The mean age was 66.21 +/- 17.92 years. Among patients, 57% were female and 43% were male. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) was found in 60% (23/38), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG) in 37% (14/38) of patients. The median number of active antiglaucoma drugs was 2.73, ranging 1-4. More than 90% of patients were on two or more medications before surgery. Mean BCVA was 0.64 +/- 0.68 and oscillated 0.1-1 (according to Snellen). IOP on last visit before surgery varied 15-42 mmHg (mean IOP 26.11 +/- 13.20 mmHg). Visual filed index MD showed minor and highest absolute values from -0.82 - -35.25 dB (mean MD -18 dB +/- 19.15). All patients had trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C procedures. Conclusion Our survey found that the level of damage is advanced in terms of visual field loss. In most patients (52.63%), visual acuity was well preserved. POAG and XFG are the most frequent diagnosis. Women and elderly population were represented in higher number in our study. Level of IOP suggests a trend to make a surgical decision at higher pressure regardless the stage of glaucoma damage.