AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of ab-externo microcatheter-assisted trabeculotomy(MAT)in moderate and advanced primary congenital glaucoma(PCG).

METHODS: A retrospective study. A total of 20 children(22 eyes)with PCG who were admitted to Xi'an Fourth Hospital from August 2018 to November 2019 underwent ab-externo MAT. The follow-up is 12mo. The intraocular pressure(IOP), numbers of IOP-lowering drugs, corneal diameter, the cup/disk ratio(C/D ratio)of optic nerve and postoperative complications were observed.

RESULTS: The mean preoperative IOP was 33.4±9.1mmHg, while it was 14.4±5.2mmHg at the last follow-up(P<0.001).The median of IOP-lowering drugs used before surgery was 2(2, 4), and it was 0(0, 2)at 12mo after surgery(P<0.001). The preoperative corneal diameter was 13.34±0.89mm, and it was 13.27±0.78mm at 12mo after surgery(P>0.05). The preoperative C/D ratio of optic nerve was 0.85±0.17, and it was 0.84±0.16 at 12mo after surgery(P>0.05). There were no severe complications occurred in all patients.

CONCLUSION: Ab-externo MAT is effective and safe in the treatment of moderate and advanced PCG.