Evaluation of changes in retinal light sensitivity thresholds in the early postoperative days after trabeculectomy using microperimetry.

Purpose: To investigate early postoperative changes in retinal light sensitivity at the foveal and paramacular points in open angle glaucoma patients.

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Twenty-four eyes undergoing trabeculectomy were analyzed. Retinal light sensitivity thresholds were measured using microperimetry both before and 7 days after surgery. Linear regression analysis identified factors affecting postoperative sensitivity changes. We also evaluated the correlation between changes in the threshold of retinal light sensitivity at the foveal and paramacular points.

Results: Intraocular pressure significantly decreased postoperatively. The mean threshold values of retinal light sensitivity following surgery showed no statistically significant changes compared with preoperative values across all eyes. Specifically, the mean threshold values increased in 4 eyes, decreased in 2, and remained stable in 18. Upon analyzing each examination point, 71.8% eyes exhibited stability, 12.8% showed a decrease of less than -6 dB, and 15.4% demonstrated an improvement of more than +6 dB in threshold values of retinal light sensitivity post-surgery. Changes in retinal light sensitivity at most paramacular points were found to be independent of those at the fovea. Excessive IOP reduction was identified as a significant risk factor for central visual field impairment.

Conclusions: Localized changes in retinal light sensitivity thresholds can vary in the early postoperative period following trabeculectomy, highlighting the need to monitor localized retinal function to better understand its impact on visual outcomes.