Outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma treatment: a retrospective study

Background This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in Chinese patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and identify factors influencing surgical success. Methods Fourteen patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with PCG who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy were recruited, and data on intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medication, surgery-related complications, and additional treatments were collected during preoperative and postoperative visits. Surgical success was defined as IOP <= 21 mmHg and a reduction of > 30% from baseline, with (partial success) or without (complete success) antiglaucoma medication. Results Mean preoperative IOP was 30.41 +/- 6.09 mmHg. At the final visit, mean IOP reduction was 16.1 +/- 9.1 mmHg (52%), and 19 of 24 eyes were topical medication-free. IOP was significantly decreased at each postoperative visit compared with baseline (P < 0.05 for all time points). Cumulative proportions of complete and partial success were 79.2% and 95.8%, respectively, at three years postsurgery. Patients without prior antiglaucoma procedures, without postoperative IOP spikes, and those undergoing complete trabeculotomy exhibited improved surgical prognosis. No permanent vision-threatening complications occurred in the 24 eyes by the end of the respective follow-ups. Conclusion Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy emerged as a safe and effective procedure for PCG treatment, characterized by outstanding IOP reduction efficacy and high surgical success rates.