Glaucoma surgery: penetrating and non-penetrating surgeries, technique options,  problems and methods of preventing excessive scarring formation

This article presents a review of scientific literature on the problem of excessive scarring formation after glaucoma surgery and its prevention by modifying the techniques and reducing reparatory processes in the surgery area. The existence of multiple ways to increase efficacy of penetrating (trabeculectomy) and non-penetrating surgeries, as well as the existence of their numerous modifications, can be the sign of surgeons’ dissatisfaction with outcomes. Along with the improvement of surgical techniques, this leads to the use of glucocorticosteroids and antimetabolites with proven effectiveness to minimize the risk of postoperative excessive scarring. The use of anti-VEGF drugs for this purpose requires further study. Key words: glaucoma, prevention of excessive scarring formation, modification of glaucoma surgery, use of antimetabolites