In this study we evaluated the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in eyes with uveitic glaucoma (UG) compared with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

We performed a retrospective chart review of 60 eyes with UG and 402 eyes with POAG that were followed up for at least 1 year after trabeculectomy with MMC between June 2000 and December 2012. The review included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of anti-glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications. Surgical success was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier life-table method based on 2 definitions of successful IOP control with topical anti-glaucoma medications: Definition A (IOP ≤ 15 mm Hg) and Definition B (IOP ≤ 18 mm Hg). Risk factors for surgical failure of trabeculectomy were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Success rate at 5 years after trabeculectomy was lower in UG than in POAG (65.8% vs. 76.4%, Definition B), but without significant difference. However, UG had a significantly lower cumulative probability of success than POAG based on Kaplan-Meier survival curves ( p = 0.049 and 0.044, respectively). Postoperative hypotony and hypotony maculopathy was more frequent in UG ( p = 0.044 and 0.044, respectively). In UG, the Cox proportional hazards model showed postoperative shallow anterior chamber was associated with surgical failure in both Definition A and B.

Long-term results of trabeculectomy with MMC in eyes with UG showed successful IOP control similar to POAG. Trabeculectomy with MMC is a reasonable surgical option for the management of UG.