Trabeculectomy in first trimester of pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Purpose Glaucoma management in pregnancy is a challenging task for the ophthalmologist. With limited studies due to ethical concerns, the exact management protocols are not well established. Surgery has been mentioned as an option in 2nd trimester and is avoided in 1st trimester due to the detrimental effect on organogenesis of fetus and the harmful effects of anaesthesia. Methods A 26 year old woman with advanced glaucomatous damage underwent trabeculectomy without antifibrotic agent in first trimester of pregnancy. Results The intraocular pressures (IOP) were well controlled during pregnancy with no need of addiitional antiglaucoma medications. She delivered a healthy baby at term with no congenital abnormality. Conclusion Trabeculectomy without antifibrotic agents can be done in first trimester of pregnancy in cases where IOP cannot be controlled with topical antiglaucoma drugs that are considered safe during this period. This is the first report in literature on trabeculectomy in first trimester of pregnancy.