Antimetabolite-Augmented Trabeculectomy Combined with Cataract Extraction for the Treatment of Cataract and Glaucoma

Cairns first described glaucoma filtration surgery for the treatment of glaucoma in 1968.1 The main aim of the operation, as he described it, was to improve the drainage of aqueous into the canal of Schlemm, hence the name trabeculectomy. Interestingly, the formation of a drainage bleb following the surgery was initially regarded as a failure. It was not until subsequent studies showed improved effectiveness in the presence of a drainage bleb 2 that the idea of surgically creating a diversion of aqueous to the sub-Tenon's space became the goal of the procedure. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York