Our results reveal an expression imbalance between MMPs and their endogenous tissue inhibitors in tissue samples from patients with POAG and ExG. Differences in immunohistochemical reactions reflect discrete local pathogenic mechanisms involved in POAG and ExG. With respect to the proposed role of MMPs in the remodeling of ECM material, this may point to a weaker reactivity to the accumulation of ECM material in TM in ExG than POAG eyes.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented deep sclerectomy with implant (DSCI) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG) patients. Methods: A total of 68 eyes of 68 patients with POAG and ExG were enrolled consecutively to undergo DSCI with MMC (0.4 mg ⁄ ml for 2 min). The intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser goniopuncture treatments and complications were compared postoperatively after 36-month follow-up. Surgery was considered as a complete success when IOP was <18 mmHg without antiglaucoma medication. Results: Preoperatively the mean IOPs were 23 ± 6 mmHg and 25 ± 8 mmHg, and 13 ± 4 mmHg and 11 ± 4 mmHg in the POAG and ExG groups, respectively, at 36 months. At 36 months, 74% and 73% of surgeries were a complete success in the POAG and ExG group, respectively [not significant (NS)]. Two patients (8%) of the POAG group and one of the ExG group (3%) were receiving antiglaucoma medication at 36 months (NS). Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture was performed more often in the ExG group (87%) than in the POAG group (61%, p = 0.024). Postoperatively choroidal detachment occurred in 16% of eyes in the POAG group and in 11% of eyes in the ExG group (NS). Conclusions: DSCI with MMC augmentation appears to be as effective in patients with ExG and POAG in lowering IOP to target levels at medium term with few immediate postoperative complications.

. Purpose:  To retrospectively compare the efficacy of deep sclerectomy in the treatment of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG). Methods:  Deep sclerectomy with either collagen or hyaluronate implants was performed in 31 eyes (45%) with POAG and 38 eyes (55%) with ExG. Pre‐ and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded, as was the number of glaucoma medications used pre‐ and postoperatively in each group. The follow‐up data referred to a mean period of 18 months (range: 2 weeks to 36 months). Results:  At 18 months, complete success had been achieved in 56.3% of POAG eyes and 44.9% of ExG eyes. Qualified success had been achieved in 83.1% and 71.6% of POAG and ExG eyes, respectively. The mean IOP was 18.6 mmHg in POAG eyes and 16.3 mmHg in ExG eyes. YAG‐descemetotomies were performed in nine eyes in each group. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in IOP (except at 1 week postoperatively in favour of POAG; p = 0.05), success rates, need for postoperative glaucoma medication or number of complications. Reoperations were required in three (10%) POAG eyes and seven (18%) ExG eyes. Conclusions:  Deep sclerectomy is equally effective in controlling IOP in both POAG and ExG and has low rates of serious complications, even when the surgeon is inexperienced in the technique. Both survival rates and IOP control were similar between the groups, and there were no serious intra‐ or postoperative complications.

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ABSTRACT.Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented deep sclerectomy with implant (DSCI) in patients with primary openangle glaucoma (POAG) and exfoliation glaucoma (ExG). Methods: A total of 68 eyes of 68 patients with POAG and ExG were enrolled consecutively to undergo DSCI with MMC (0.4 mg ⁄ ml for 2 min). The intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser goniopunctures and complications were compared postoperatively. Surgery was considered as a complete success when IOP was < 18 mmHg without antiglaucoma medication. Results: Preoperatively, the mean IOPs were 23.1 ± 5.8 and 25.4 ± 8.3 mmHg, and 13.8 ± 6.1 and 11.2 ± 5.6 mmHg in the POAG and ExG groups, respectively, at 12 months. 77.4% and 75.7% of surgeries were a complete success in the POAG and ExG groups, respectively [not significant (NS)]. Five patients (16.1%) in the POAG group but none in the ExG group (0%) were receiving antiglaucoma medication at 12 months (NS). Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture was performed in 29.0% of eyes in the POAG group and in 55.6% of eyes in the ExG group (p = 0.047). Postoperatively, choroidal detachment occurred in 16.1% of eyes in the POAG group and in 10.8% of eyes in the ExG group (NS). We encountered no serious complications related to MMC use. Conclusion: DS with MMC augmentation appears to be equally effective in ExG and POAG patients in lowering IOP to target levels, at least in the short term, with few immediate postoperative complications.