Practice preferences for glaucoma surgery: a survey of the American Glaucoma Society in 2008.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate glaucoma surgical practice patterns among members of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An anonymous web-based survey was sent to AGS members to determine their preferred surgical approach in ten clinical settings. Survey results were compared with those from 1996 and 2002.

RESULTS

A total of 125 (22%) AGS members responded to the survey. Mean glaucoma drainage device (GDD) usage increased from 17.5% (range: 5% to 37%; standard deviation [SD]: 10.9%) in 1996 to 50.8% (range: 15% to 76%; SD: 17.3%) in 2008, and mean trabeculectomy usage decreased from 80.8% (range: 62% to 93%; SD: 11.3%) in 1996 to 45.5% (range: 16% to 80%; SD: 17.9) in 2008. GDD was most popular in none of 8 clinical settings in 1996, and 5 of 8 clinical settings in 2008. Mitomycin C was selected as an adjunctive antifibrotic agent to trabeculectomy in 85% to 99% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Glaucoma surgical practice patterns have changed since 1996. The use of a GDD has progressively increased, and the popularity of trabeculectomy decreased between 1996 and 2008. Mitomycin C remains the most frequently selected antifibrotic agent used as an adjunct to trabeculectomy.