Trabeculotomy for childhood glaucoma: Overview
Trabeculotomy is a surgical procedure that lowers the pressure in the eye. The surgeon will locate the drainage angle of the eye and insert a tool to make the opening bigger. This wider opening allows fluid (aqueous humor) to drain out of the eye. Trabeculotomy is a surgery for children only.
Why is a trabeculotomy for childhood glaucoma done?
Trabeculotomy is a good choice for children who have glaucoma when the clear covering (cornea) over the iris is cloudy.
For children, trabeculotomy or goniotomy are preferred over trabeculectomy, because they are less invasive and less likely to cause cataracts. They also do a better job of lowering eye pressure in children who have glaucoma.
How well does a trabeculotomy for childhood glaucoma work?
One year after surgery, trabeculotomy was successful for more than 80 out of 100 children who didn't have glaucoma at birth.
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