AIM:To study the clinical effects of using sodium hyaluronate in the glaucoma trabeculectomy.

METHODS: Totally 46 patients were included in our research and they were divided into two groups. In the study group(23 cases 23 eyes), we used slice with MMC of 0.4mg/mL in trabeculectomy. Before the conjunctiva flap was sewed, a small amount of sodium hyaluronate was injected into the space under scleral flap and the anterior chamber. In control group(23 cases 23 eyes), we only used MMC. After trabeculetomy, shallow anterior chambe formation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial injury and the formation of filter-bubble were observed in long term.

RESULTS: IOP of study group at 1d after operation was higher than that of control group(P<0.05), but not significant different at 3d, 1 and 6mo after operation(P>0.05). At 3d after operation, visual acuity decreased in 2 eyes(9%)of study group, 8 eyes(35%)in control group with significant different(P=0.035). At 6mo after operation, visual acuity decreased in 0 of study group, 5 eyes(22%)in control group with significant different(P=0.025). The differences on the occurrence of shallow anterior chamber at 7d after operation, formation of filter-bubble at 6mo after operation and corneal endothelial count were significant(P<0.05). There were less postoperative complications in study group than in control group.

CONCLUSION: Using sodium hyaluronate combined with MMC in trabeculectomy can greatly prevent the formation of shallow anterior chamber, filter-bubble scarring, and corneal endothelium dropout, make it possible to a safer surgery and a better outcome.