To evaluate the current practice of trabeculectomy among the United Kingdom & Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS) members.
Cross sectional survey of glaucoma specialists in the UK.
Glaucoma specialists' members of the UK & Eire Glaucoma Society (UKEGS).
A 32 question online survey using a survey monkey web link was sent to the UKEGS members. All non-responders and partial responders were sent a reminder to complete the survey.
Responses relating to the surgical & non-surgical aspects of trabeculectomy surgery.
The response rate was 67.6% (142/210) and the vast majority of the respondents (88%) were glaucoma consultants. Eighty percent of the respondents performed >10 trabeculectomies per year and 70% performed primary trabeculectomy, majority of which (>2/3) only did this rarely & in cases of late presentation. Progressive visual field loss was the most common indication for trabeculectomy. Majority (48.39%) use sub-tenon's block without digital massage/weight/Honan's balloon. About 89% used antimetabolites of which 99% used Mitomycin C (MMC) and the majority (60%) use this just after conjunctival peritomy. Most (80%) use 0.2 mg/ml of MMC and 58% use this for 3 minutes. Majority (57%) used their own self modified Moorfield's safe surgery technique & 88% perform a PI during trabeculectomy whereas 12% don't (in pseudophakes, myopic and where patients are on anticoagulation). Most (56%) use an AC maintainer (1/3 of them always). Only 29% performed phaco trab' regularly (2/3rd used different sites), 44% never.
This survey highlights a varied spectrum in the practice of trabeculectomy. This may reflect some paucity of good evidence to guide uniformity in the various aspects of trabeculectomy.