Impact of prior posterior-approach ptosis repair on conjunctiva-related glaucoma surgery complications

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this project was to determine whether conjunctiva-shortening posterior approach ptosis repair affects the complication rates of subsequent bleb-forming glaucoma filtering surgeries compared to conjunctiva-sparing anterior approaches. METHODS: ≤ 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes (34 patients) were included: 17 underwent anterior and 18 underwent posterior approach ptosis repair. Intraoperative complications occurred in one eye in each group. Postoperative bleb-related complications were reported in two eyes in the anterior group and one in the posterior group. Rates of bleb-related complications were not statistically different between groups. Anterior approach eyes were more likely to have had prior glaucoma surgery and require repeat ptosis repair. CONCLUSION: Prior posterior approach ptosis repair does not significantly increase the risk of intraoperative or postoperative bleb-related complications in subsequent glaucoma filtering surgery. These findings support the safety of posterior approach ptosis repair, even in patients likely to require future filtering procedures.