Purpose: To evaluate the safety profile and possible change in corneal astigmatism following trabeculectomy with a fornix-based conjunctival flap which is closed with 4 corneal groove-embedded sutures.
Materials and methods: Patients scheduled for a primary trabeculectomy were included in this single center, prospective trial between February and April 2013. Refractive status was assessed with an automated refractokeratometer preoperatively and at months 1, 3, 6, and 18 postoperatively, together with clinical assessment of intraocular pressure, visual acuity, postoperative complications, and medication use. Preoperative and postoperative variables were compared using paired samples t tests and vector analysis for corneal astigmatism change was performed.
Results: Forty-four eyes of 44 patients were included. Vector analysis showed a transient significant with-the-rule shift in astigmatism without influence on spherical equivalent. Visual acuity was transiently reduced in the first month but recovered to preoperative values with no need to change optical correction. Two patients developed postoperative wound leakage, which was successfully treated with a bandage corneoscleral contact lens.
Conclusions: Trabeculectomy with a fornix-based conjunctival flap closed by 4 corneal groove-embedded sutures results in a low complication rate. This safe suturing technique induces a transient shift of with-the-rule astigmatism, reverting to the preoperative values within 3 months of surgery. Adjustments to refractive correction are recommended to be postponed until after this period.