A series of 122 trabeculectomies in black patients is presented, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months. Glaucoma was controlled in 57% of the cases (39% without medication and 18% with medication) and 43% were uncontrolled at 12 months. Several characteristics were observed in these patients that seem to influence success. A high correlation was found between the presence of a bleb and successful control of pressure without medication. The rate of success was found to decrease little after 12 months postoperative follow-up.