Triple surgery in glaucoma includes all of the following except
**Core Concept**
Triple surgery in glaucoma refers to a combination of three surgical procedures aimed at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. This approach is often considered for patients who have failed medical or laser treatment. The three procedures typically involved are trabeculectomy, iridectomy, and cataract extraction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The triple procedure is a comprehensive approach to manage glaucoma by addressing multiple aspects of the disease. Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage channel for aqueous humor to exit the eye, reducing IOP. Iridectomy involves removing a portion of the iris to improve drainage and prevent blockage. Cataract extraction removes the cloudy lens, which can contribute to IOP elevation. The combination of these procedures aims to achieve optimal IOP control and preserve vision.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Trabeculotomy is a procedure that creates a new drainage channel in the trabecular meshwork, but it is not typically part of the triple procedure.
**Option B:** Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that uses a laser to improve drainage in the trabecular meshwork, but it is not a surgical procedure in the same category as the triple procedure.
**Option C:** Exoplants are devices that are implanted in the eye to drain aqueous humor, but they are not part of the standard triple procedure.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When considering triple surgery for glaucoma, it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits of each procedure, as well as the potential impact on vision and IOP control.
**Correct Answer: C. Exoplants. Exoplants are devices that are implanted in the eye to drain aqueous humor, but they are not part of the standard triple procedure.**