Comparison of deep sclerokeratodissection, a new variant of nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery, with deep sclerectomy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deep sclerokeratodissection (DSKD), a new nonpenetrating technique in glaucoma surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective comparison between patients treated with DSKS or deep sclerectomy (DS) between 2013 and 2014. In DSKD, the first and only flap is dissected directly into clear cornea with unroofing Schlemm's canal. Beside routine clinical follow-up (visual acuity, intraocular pressure [IOP] readings, slit lamp and fundus examination), postoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) investigation and quality of life (QoL) assessment were performed. Statistically significant differences were determined by parametric or nonparametric tests, depending on normality. RESULTS: Twelve (38.7%) DSKDs and 19 (61.3%) conventional DS' were included in this analysis. IOP decreased significantly from 21.5 ± 9.2 mmHg to 6.2 ± 5.4 mmHg on day 1, 13.4 ± 7.7 at 1 month, 12.0 ± 4.1 at 3 months, 12.5 ± 3.1 mmHg at 6 months, and 13.4 ± 4.3 mmHg at 12 months (P < 0.01). No significant difference in the IOP was observed between the two groups at any follow-up (P > 0.1). There was no significant difference in intra- and post-operative complications, the morphology of the surgical site in the UBM as well as in the QoL assessment. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that DSKD is a safe and efficient new variant of nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery. IOP can be lowered as effectively compared to conventional DS, with a similarly low rate of complications. Further reports are necessary to confirm these results.