Effectiveness of IOP lowering by glaucoma surgery

Level of evidence: B

Although surgical treatment seems to reduce intraocular pressure more than medical (or laser treatment [Y78]), the rate of progression seems to somewhat less after surgery only in far advanced glaucoma. Initially, surgically treated patients complain more about local eye problems and need more cataract surgery than medically treated patients. However, after five years the need for cataract surgery does not differ between the two groups.