AIM To determine the results and complications up to 5 years after trabeculectomy with 0.02% mitomycin C (MMC) in glaucoma patients at risk for failure of filtration surgery.

RESULTS The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 28 mm Hg on an average of 2.8 glaucoma medications, and the mean postoperative IOP after 3 years was 14 mm Hg on an average of 0.4 medications. Three years after trabeculectomy, 17 of 21 (80.9%) eyes had an IOP of less than 21 mm Hg without medical treatment. Using Kaplan-Meier life table analysis the 5 year probability of an IOP less than 21 mm Hg without medication was 67% and with medication was 90%. Two patients required further glaucoma surgery during the first postoperative year, and another developed hypotonous maculopathy which was reversed after bleb revision. Seven patients developed visually significant cataract as a late consequence of the surgery. There were no bleb related infections.

CONCLUSION In the long term MMC 0.02% used for 2 minutes intraoperatively is an effective adjunctive treatment in glaucoma patients at risk for bleb failure and in this dose is associated with few complications.