The effect of preoperative subconjunctival triamcinolone administration on glaucoma filtration. I. Trabeculectomy following subconjunctival triamcinolone

Subtenon triamcinolone as an adjuvant in mitomycin-C-enhanced trabeculectomy in non-inflammatory glaucomas: A randomized clinical trial

This unicentric randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the surgical outcomes of mitomycin C-enhanced trabeculectomy (MMC-TRAB) with and without subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC) injection in patients with non-inflammatory glaucomas. This trial is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) under the register number RBR-53f8nh. Consecutive non-inflammatory glaucoma patients requiring surgical intervention were randomized into two groups. In the control group, eyes underwent standard MMC-TRAB, while in the intervention group, besides the standard MMC-TRAB, these eyes also received a subtenon TAAC injection (4mg) close to the bleb site at the end of the surgery. The main outcomes of the study were surgical success rates, intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of medications at all timepoints. Success was defined as IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and subdivided in complete or qualified according to the need of medication. A total of 75 eyes of 63 different patients were included (intervention group = 39 eyes; control group = 36 eyes). There was no difference between groups at baseline (p>0.11). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that IOP levels were significantly lower in the intervention group at 18 and 24 months of follow-up when number of medications was considered as a covariate (P<0.001). Complete success rates were higher in the intervention group at 06 (90.9% vs 68.7%; p = 0.03), 12 (87.2% vs 66.7%; p = 0.02) and 18 months (87.2% vs 66.7%; p = 0.02). Additionally, although success rates at 24 months were higher in the intervention group (82.0% vs 66.7%; p = 0.09), this difference did not reach statistical significance. Qualified success rates did not significantly differ between groups at all timepoints. In conclusion, this study found significantly lower IOPs levels at 18 and 24 months of follow-up and higher complete success rates until 18 months of follow-up, with the use of subtenon TAAC as an adjuvant to standard MMC-TRABs in non-inflammatory glaucoma patients.

Preparing the ocular surface for glaucoma filtration surgery: an unmet clinical need

The mutual relationship among medical therapy, ocular surface (OS) and filtration surgery (FS) represents one of the most crucial issues in glaucoma management. As the long-term use of intraocular pressure-lowering medications significantly affect the OS health, patients with an uncontrolled disease frequently undergo glaucoma surgery in less-than-ideal conditions. As we known, OS changes strongly affect the post-operative bleb filtration capability. Therefore, improving the OS conditions before proceeding with FS is needed. Currently, given the rapid diffusion of new surgical procedures, this need is even more perceived. Nevertheless, despite surgeons retain the OS preparation of primary importance, and recognize the OS disease (OSD) as the only modifiable risk factor for filtration failure, there is no agreement on which strategies should be preferred to prepare patients. This is largely due to the lack of validated guidelines, which forces clinicians to adopt personal approaches based on evidence derived from low-quality studies. In this review, we provided an overview of risk factors involved in the FS failure, with particular attention to those depending on OS changes, and how OSD negatively affects the aqueous humor resorption after surgery. Moreover, we reported the most exploited measures to mitigate the OSD before surgery, the possible reasons underlying the absence of shared approaches, and the upcoming area of intervention to preserve the OS health during glaucoma management. Finally, based on the current evidence, we proposed a pre-operative outline reporting the main risk factors that should be considered before surgery, and the therapeutical options available to improve the OS.

Changes in the morphology of the hyperemic blebs in eyes undergone trabeculectomy with mitomycin C after injection of triamcinolone acetonide during one-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To track changes in the morphology of hyperemic blebs in eyes undergone trabeculectomy with mitomycin C 0.02% (MMC) after triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection.

METHODS

A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients with localized or diffuse hyperemia after trabeculectomy with MMC were enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. Two milligrams of TA were injected at the site of maximal injection. Bleb morphology was graded using Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS), and the Moorfields Bleb Grading System (MBGS) 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after injection. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) more than predefined target IOP for each eye, need for an additional surgical procedure, IOP less than 6 mmHg, and loss of Light Perception (LP) vision.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients completed a 1-year follow-up period and were included in the final analysis. The mean time interval from trabeculectomy to injection of TA was 5.98 ± 2.57 weeks. The bleb height and vascularity in the IBAGS system decreased significantly after the intervention (p < 0.05), with an increase in bleb extension (p = 0.006). Using MBGS, the bleb area did not change significantly following TA injection (p = 0.056) but its height and vascularity significantly decreased in both central and peripheral areas and the surrounding conjunctiva (p = 0.032). The development of a mature cataract was the only complication that could be attributed to TA injection.

CONCLUSION

Injection of TA in hyperemic failing blebs improves bleb morphology by decreasing vascularity and height while increasing the extent with an acceptable safety profile.

Does adjuvant intracameral triamcinolone acetonide increase the effectiveness of phacotrabeculectomy? A Case-Control Study

AIMS

To investigate the effect of intracameral triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on surgical success in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) supported primary phacotrabeculectomy (PT) cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 23 eyes (study group) of 23 patients who underwent TA during PT and 26 eyes (control group) of 26 patients without TA. PT patients in the study group received 1 mg TA intraoperatively at the end of surgery. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of antiglaucoma drugs used were compared. Postoperative complications and need for 5-FU injection were evaluated for both groups.

RESULTS

Mean age was 64.1 2 ± 1.91 (48-86) years in the control group and 66.52 ± 2.02 (52-86) years in the study group (p = 0.824). Comparison of pre- and postoperative IOP values showed significant decreases in postoperative IOP levels at all-time points in both the control and study groups (p &lt; 0.001). The only significant difference between groups was on postoperative first day (study group: 9.22 ± 1.41 mmHg; control group: 6.35 ± 2.17 mmHg, p &lt; 0.001). Need for postoperative 5-FU injection was significantly more common in the control group (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Intracameral injection of 1 mg TA at the end of PT surgery did not yield superior results in postoperative IOP compared to PT alone, and the two groups showed similar IOP reduction. When given as an adjunct to PT, 1 mg TA suppresses anterior segment inflammation and reduces the need for 5-FU injection.

Local delivery of corticosteroids in clinical ophthalmology: A review

Locally administered steroids have a long history in ophthalmology for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Anterior segment conditions tend to be treated with topical steroids whilst posterior segment conditions generally require periocular, intravitreal or systemic administration for penetration. Over recent decades, the clinical applications of periocular steroid delivery have expanded to a wide range of conditions including macular oedema from retino-vascular conditions. Formulations have been developed with the aim to provide practical, targeted, longer-term and more efficacious therapy whilst minimizing side effects. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the types of periocular steroid delivery, their clinical applications in ophthalmology and their side effects.

Healing modulation in glaucoma surgery after application of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetate alone or combined with mitomycin C: an experimetal study

OBJECTIVE

to study the efficacy and safety of the use of subconjunctival triamcinolone acetate alone or in combination with mitomycin C as a modulator of trabeculectomy healing in rabbits.

METHODS

we submitted thirty male, albino, New Zealand rabbits to bilateral trabeculectomy. We divided the animals into four experimental groups with 15 eyes per group: control, mitomycin C, triamcinolone acetate and triamcinolone acetate + mitomycin C. We performed aplanation tonometry and clinical analysis of the bleb through the Moorfields Graduation System in the postoperative period. For the evaluation of healing, we carried out the quantitative analysis of the inflammatory infiltrate (polymorphonuclear) through Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, and vascular proliferation, through immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

we observed a significant decrease in postoperative intraocular pressure in all groups compared with the preoperative pressure (p<0.001). However, there was no difference between groups (p=0.186). The triamcinolone + mitomycin C acetate group presented better indices as for the maximum bleb height and vascularization of the bleb central area (p=0.001); in addition, there was a lower inflammatory response (p=0.001) and lower vascular proliferation (p=0.001) in the intermediate phase of the study compared with the monotherapies.

CONCLUSION

the combination of mitomycin C and triamcinolone acetate resulted in a synergistic action between these agents, with broader and more diffuse blebs, less inflammatory infiltrate and less vascular proliferation in the intermediate stages of follow-up in this animal model.

Modulation of Fibroblasts in Conjunctival Wound Healing

Modulating conjunctival wound healing has the potential to improve outcomes after glaucoma filtration surgery and for several ocular disorders, including ocular cicatrial pemphigoid, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and pterygium. Although anti-inflammatories and antimetabolites have been used with success, these nonspecific agents are not without their complications. The search for novel and more targeted means to control conjunctival fibrosis without such limitations has brought much attention to the regulation of fibroblast proliferation, differentiation, extracellular matrix production, and apoptosis. This review provides an update on where we stand with current antifibrotic agents and outlines the strategies that novel agents use, as they evolve from the bench to the bedside.

The Effect of Adjuvant Intracameral Triamcinolone Acetonide on the Surgical Results of Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of adjuvant intracameral triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on the surgical results of trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All consecutive trabeculectomy cases performed in the glaucoma clinic between July 2012 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed from the patient charts. Only those with follow-up of 12 months or longer were included. Patients with intraoperative intracameral TA (study group, n=19) were compared to those without TA (control group, n=21) in terms of surgical success, intraocular pressure (IOP) change, medication use and complications.

RESULTS

Forty eyes of 31 patients (21 male/10 female, mean age 64.2±13.8 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 20.9±5.1 months and 20.7±6.7 months in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.830). Baseline IOP was 26.4±9.9 and 25.2±7.6 mmHg (p=0.979), and final IOP was 12.7±2.6 and 13.6±3 mmHg in both groups respectively (p=0.226). At the final follow-up, complete success was observed in 68.4% and 52.4% of the study and control groups (p=0.349) and anti-glaucoma medication was used by 31.6% (mean number of medications: 0.79±1.2) and 47.6% (mean number of medications: 1.33±1.7), respectively (p>0.05). Bleb encapsulation, leakage, suture-lysis and hypotony rates were similar in both groups (for all, p>0.05). Cataract progression was noted in six (35.3%) and in five (26.3%) of the phakic eyes in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.720).

CONCLUSION

When used intracamerally, TA did not increase the complication rate in trabeculectomy surgery. Although the group that received TA showed lower IOP levels, use of fewer medications and fewer eyes requiring medication, the differences did not reach significance.

Improved Surgical Success of Combined Glaucoma Tube Shunt and Retisert(®) Implantation in Uveitic Eyes: A Retrospective Study

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the outcomes following placement of a fluocinolone acetonide implant (Retisert^®; Bausch & Lomb, Inc.) combined with an Ahmed™ glaucoma valve (New World Medical, Inc.) in eyes with uveitic glaucoma (UG Retisert) were different when compared to an Ahmed valve alone in eyes with uveitic glaucoma or primary open angle glaucoma (UG non-Retisert and POAG, respectively).

Methods

Retrospective, interventional study of consecutive uveitic and OAG eyes undergoing Ahmed valve (AV) implantation with or without combined Retisert insertion at a single academic center between 2009 and 2012. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 5 and 18 mmHg and greater than 20% reduction of IOP at two consecutive visits without need for additional IOP-lowering medications or surgical procedures. Secondary outcome measures included IOP and number of glaucoma medications.

Results

Sixty eyes of 60 patients (22 UG Retisert, 16 UG non-Retisert, 22 POAG) were included. Mean ± standard deviation surgical success duration was significantly greater in UG Retisert eyes, 629 ± 53 days, compared to those with UG non-Retisert, 361 ± 37 days, and POAG, 472 ± 65 days (P = 0.034). At 24 months, the mean IOP was 11.7, 12.1, and 15.0 mmHg and the average patient was on 1.45, 0.71, and 2.00 medications in the UG Retisert, UG non-Retisert, and POAG valve groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Retisert implants when combined with AV in uveitic glaucoma had a longer duration of surgical success than uveitic or POAG treated with AV insertion alone.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40123-015-0041-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Wound modulation after filtration surgery

Filtration surgery is the standard invasive procedure for the management of intraocular pressure in advanced glaucoma. The key to a successful outcome is to modulate the normal wound healing cascade that leads to closure of the newly created aqueous outflow pathway. Antifibrotic agents such as mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil have been increasingly used to modulate the wound healing process and increase surgical success. Although these agents have proven efficacy, they also increase the risk of complications. Efforts have centered on the identification of novel agents and techniques that can influence wound modulation without these complications. We detail new agents and methods under investigation to control wound healing after filtration surgery.

Purified triamcinolone acetonide as antifibrotic adjunct in glaucoma filtering surgery

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of mitomycin C (MMC) and triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) during and after glaucoma filtering surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective interventional consecutive case series. All eyes underwent primary guarded trabeculectomy with either MMC or sub-Tenon TAC injection. Intraoperative and postoperative complications up to 5 years after the filtering surgery were evaluated. Differences between the two regimens were tested for statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 64 trabeculectomies, of which 39 with MMC and 25 with TAC, were compared. At the 5-year follow-up examination three of the eyes treated with MMC (7.7 %) and none of the eyes treated with TAC had an intraocular pressure of more than 18 mmHg (p = 0.08). In the MMC group, three eyes required repeated glaucoma surgery (7.7 %; one trabeculectomy, one Baerveldt drainage implant, one cyclodiode laser treatment), while this was two eyes in the TAC group (8.0 %; one Baerveldt drainage implant, one cyclodiode laser treatment) (p = 0.97).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that in primary trabeculectomy, the 5-year risk profiles of MMC and purified TAC are comparable, suggesting that as an antifibrotic agent TAC is at least as effective as MMC. Prospective randomized trials will need to confirm the agents' relative long-term benefits.

Trabeculectomy with or without intraoperative sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide in treating secondary glaucoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of intraoperative sub-Tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in increasing the success rate of trabeculectomy for the treatment of secondary glaucoma.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

METHODS

Fifty-three consecutive eyes scheduled for trabeculectomy were randomly allocated in an institutional setting. In the study group (n = 26), TA was injected in the sub-Tenon at the conclusion of the surgery. In the control group (n = 27) surgery was completed without TA injection. Surgical success was defined as a complete success if the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 21 mm Hg or less with an IOP reduction of greater than or equal to 20% without any antiglaucoma medication. Success rates in both groups were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The morphologic characteristics of the filtering blebs were evaluated using the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-three eyes completed the study (26 in the study group and 27 in the control group), with a follow-up of 12 months. Complete success rates were 65.4% for the study group and 63.0% for the control group (P = .77) at 12 months. The morphologic characteristics of the filtering blebs and postoperative complications were similar in the study and the control eyes (P > .40). IOP measurements in both groups were similar at all visits (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Trabeculectomy with intraoperative sub-Tenon injection of TA for the treatment of secondary glaucoma neither increased the intermediate-term success rate nor decreased postoperative complications.

The role of the immune system in conjunctival wound healing after glaucoma surgery

The immune system has a fundamental role in the development and regulation of ocular healing, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of most blinding diseases. This review discusses the mechanisms of normal wound healing, describing the animal and fetal wound healing models used to provide further insight into normal wound repair. In particular, conjunctival wound repair after glaucoma filtration surgery will be used to illustrate the contributions that the different components of the immune system make to the healing process. The potential role of macrophages, the possible regulatory effect of lymphocytes, and the important role of growth factors and cytokines in the wound healing reaction are discussed. The significance of the immune system in the pathogenesis of aggressive conjunctival scarring is addressed, particularly assessing the predisposing factors, including drugs, age, and ethnicity. The rationale behind the pharmacological agents currently used to modulate the wound healing response and the effects these drugs have on the function of the immune system are described. Finally, potential new therapeutic approaches to regulating the wound healing response are reported.

Modulating conjunctival wound healing

Advances in molecular and cell biology have led to an expansion in our knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in wound healing. We review existing and potential therapies modulating the conjunctival scarring response, with particular reference to glaucoma filtration surgery. We discuss how the refinement of present antimetabolite regimens can minimise complications and improve surgical results, and advocate their use in carefully selected patient groups. Perhaps the most promising approach is targeting biological molecules. Hence, use of fully human neutralising monoclonal antibodies to the growth factor TGF beta has potential as a useful strategy for modifying conjunctival scarring. Combination therapies may also afford an improved therapeutic index. It is hoped that future therapies can offer safer, more specific, focal and titratable treatment, with far-reaching clinical applications.

Dysfunctional filtering blebs

Guarded filtration surgery, is commonly used to control the intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucomatous patients. Filtration surgery lowers the IOP by creating a fistula between the inner compartments of the eye and the subconjunctival space (i.e., filtering bleb). There are several options to improve the function of filtering blebs and to prevent their failure. However, improvement of IOP control after guarded filtration procedures is associated with a higher frequency of bleb-related complications. Early (e.g., bleb leak, excessive filtration, flat anterior chamber, filtration failure) and late (e.g., bleb leak, excessive filtration and hypotony, symptomatic blebs, bleb encapsulation, filtration failure, bleb infection) complications associated with filtering procedures should be managed adequately to prevent further problems. Techniques to improve the function of filtering blebs and to treat postoperative complications have progressed over the past decade.

Glaucoma associated with uveitis

Raised intraocular pressure is a common and frequently serious complication of anterior uveitis. The milieu of inflammatory cells, the mediators they release, and the corticosteroid therapy used to treat the uveitis can participate in the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma. These factors alter the normal anatomic structure of the anterior chamber and angle, influencing aqueous production and outflow. These changes act to disrupt the homeostatic mechanisms of intraocular pressure control. Structural changes in the angle can be acute, such as in secondary angle closure with pupillary block glaucoma, or chronic, such as combined steroid-induced and secondary open angle glaucoma. Management of uveitic glaucoma may be difficult because of the numerous mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. Diagnostic and therapeutic decisions are guided by careful delineation of the pathophysiology of each individual case. The goal of treatment is to minimize permanent structural alteration of aqueous outflow and to prevent damage to the optic nerve head. This article reviews the pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma, with specific attention to etiology. Medical and surgical therapies are also discussed, with emphasis on the more recent developments in each category.

Combined cataract extraction with intraocular lens implant and mitomycin-augmented trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

Cataract and glaucoma commonly coexist in elderly patients and present complex treatment options. This study investigates the results of simultaneous treatment of both conditions using phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implant and mitomycin-augmented trabeculectomy (combined surgery).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 56 consecutive patients who had undergone combined surgery. Fifty-one (91%) of 56 patients had fornix-based conjunctival flaps resutured at the limbus. A variety of postoperative interventional techniques (mechanical and pharmacologic) were used to encourage the achievement of successful filtering blebs.

RESULTS

All patients had follow-up of at least 12 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 20.2 mmHg (range, 14-43 mmHg) and the mean postoperative IOP was 10.7 mmHg (range, 4-17 mmHg). Fifty-three (95%) of 56 patients had IOPs of 15 mmHg or less at the completion of follow-up. All except two patients (96%) were able to discontinue all glaucoma medications. The filtering blebs that resulted from the fornix-based conjunctival flap procedures were predominantly large, diffuse, and noncystic. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 47 (84%) of 56 of patients.

CONCLUSION

Control of IOP and improvement of visual acuity can be achieved in a high percentage of patients with coexisting cataract and glaucoma by performing combined surgery using intraoperative mitomycin and fornix-based conjunctival flaps resutured to the limbus. The filtering blebs illustrated a distinctive morphology compared with blebs resulting from limbus-based conjunctival flap procedures.

Collagen synthesis activity in the aqueous humour of eyes with glaucoma surgery: a pilot study

AIMS

The purpose of this pilot study was to test whether the rate of collagen synthesis is measurable in the aqueous humour samples in reoperated and previously unoperated eyes.

METHODS

The material consisted of 28 eyes of 27 patients, aged 5 to 82 years, in whom aqueous humour samples were obtained during eye surgery. Fifteen patients had no history of previous eye surgery (control group) while 12 patients were re-operated (study group). The carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) were measured by specific immunoassays in the aqueous humour samples.

RESULTS

The mean concentration of PIIINP in the study group (8.4 (SD 12.5) micrograms/l) was statistically significantly larger than that of the control group (0.4 (0.4) micrograms/l) (p < 0.0037). The respective values for PICP were 98.8 (SD 177.7) micrograms/l in the study group and 0.7 (SD 2.8) micrograms/l in the control group (p < 0.0005). The eyes in the study group which were re-operated within 1 year showed values increased 20-fold compared with the eyes in the control group and those eyes in the study group which had had their previous operation more than a year ago. In three eyes aqueous humour samples were also obtained from the encapsulated Molteno bleb and showed values increased 12-fold compared with those from the anterior chamber.

CONCLUSIONS

PICP and PIIINP immunoassays are suitable for measuring the rate of collagen synthesis in the aqueous humour and may be useful in studies on pharmacological modulation of wound healing in glaucoma surgery.

Cytokines, fibrosis and the failure of glaucoma filtration surgery

Current therapies for the prevention of fibrosis after glaucoma filtering surgery can be effective but often produce unwanted side effects. An understanding of the cellular basis of the fibrotic reaction may lead to better treatments. Wound repair revolves around angiogenesis and the activation of fibroblasts by cytokines. These peptides, a number of which have been described, act together in intricately complicated networks to encourage fibroblast chemotaxis, proliferation and contractility, as well as to stimulate the production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen. Since interferons seem to inhibit many of these responses, they deserve further evaluation in the treatment of ocular fibrosis.

The glaucomas in aphakia and pseudophakia

Intraocular pressure may become temporarily or permanently elevated at various intervals following cataract surgery. There are several mechanisms by which glaucoma develops as a complication of the cataract extraction itself. The presence of a pseudophakos may or may not contribute to the pathogenesis. Important diagnostic clues include the anterior chamber depth, the presence or absence of an iridectomy, gonioscopic findings, and the appearance of the optic nerve head. Life-long medical treatment is frequently justified, as alternative laser or surgical modalities may not be successful. The exact causes for high failure of filtration surgery in aphakic eyes is not clearly understood; scarring of the conjunctiva, the vitreous, and altered characteristics of the aqueous humor have all been incriminated. Current research to improve surgical success includes the development of effective artificial drainage implants or the use of pharmacologic modulators of wound healing, which promote filtration by preventing scar formation.

Preliminary study of argon fluoride (193 nm) excimer laser trabeculectomy. Scanning electron microscopy at five months

There is an increasing interest in the use of the excimer laser in ophthalmology, particularly in refractive surgery. The argon fluoride (193 nm) excimer laser ablates tissue with a high degree of precision and without any mechanical or thermal damage to surrounding structures. In this study, the argon fluoride excimer laser was experimentally used in the rabbit model to perform a trabeculectomy. Clinical and scanning electron microscopic evaluations showed a successful and patent filtering procedure. At the five-month follow-up the trabeculectomy was smooth and regular and there was no evidence of inflammation or thermal damage on the surrounding structures.

Glaucoma in patients with uveitis

The records of 100 patients (161 eyes) with uveitis were reviewed retrospectively to determine the prevalence of increased intraocular pressure, the forms of uveitis most commonly associated with glaucoma, and the forms that require specific glaucoma therapy. Secondary glaucoma was present in 23 patients (31 eyes): three of 24 patients with acute uveitis (three eyes, 12% of acute uveitis patients) and 20 of 76 patients with chronic uveitis (28 eyes, 26% of chronic uveitis patients). Eighteen patients (26 eyes, 78% of glaucoma patients) with chronic uveitis required long-term medical therapy to control intraocular pressure. Three patients (three eyes, 12% of glaucoma patients) with acute uveitis required short-term therapy to control intraocular pressure. The remaining two patients had transient increases in intraocular pressure that did not require treatment or that responded to treatment of intraocular inflammation alone. One patient with chronic uveitis (two eyes, 4% of glaucoma patients) required filtering surgery. At least five patients (eight eyes, 22% of glaucoma patients) had glaucomatous visual field defects. The results of this survey are consistent with the concept that secondary glaucoma is a management problem in patients with anterior segment inflammation and chronic rather than acute uveitis. An algorithm for the management of increased intraocular pressure in patients with uveitis is proposed.

The long-tube single plate Molteno implant for the treatment of recalcitrant glaucoma

One hundred cases of recalcitrant glaucoma were operated with a long tube single-plate Molteno implant (LSMI). At the median follow-up of 15 months an intraocular pressure of less than or equal to 19 mm Hg was obtained in 64 of the 87 eyes (73%) which have a minimum follow-up of 6 months (secondary non-neovascular glaucomas = 19; congenital glaucomas = 26; secondary neovascular glaucomas = 12). The interval probability (percentage +/- standard error) of obtaining a successful result (IOP less than or equal to 19 mm Hg) was 79% (+/- 13) at twelve months from surgery, and 53% (+/- 24) at the eighteen month interval. The least favorable results were obtained in the secondary non-neovascular glaucomas. Complications observed included choroidal detachment (24%), tube exposure (4%), tube-endothelium contact (6%), plus band keratopathy, fibrous ingrowth, traction retinal detachment and corneal ulcers. Seventeen cases needed repeated surgery for the management of complications. In order to decrease the post-operative hypotony, we have been using a tourniquet suture around the tube at the time of implantation to occlude it temporarily and limit the outflow.

Review: pharmacologic control of wound healing in glaucoma filtration surgery

An integrated understanding of the wound healing process, pharmacological agents, and surgical techniques are required for comprehensive treatment of wound healing in glaucoma filtration surgery. More well controlled basic and clinical studies are required to clarify the existing ambiguities in the selection of proper pharmacological agents, dosage, timing, and method of delivery. The most promising treatment modalities may be combination drug therapy and the use of bioerodible compounds for a sustained and localized delivery system.

Wound healing as a barrier to successful filtration surgery

Trabeculectomy fails to control the intra-ocular pressure adequately in a proportion of patients. Approaches to solving this problem have involved modifications of surgery, histological studies of tissue from failed and functioning blebs, animal studies, and in vitro investigations of some of the basic processes of wound healing. This paper reviews the current state of investigations in these disciplines with particular reference to wound healing in this specialised site.

Wound healing in glaucoma filtering surgery

Successful glaucoma filtering surgery is characterized by the passage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space, which results in the formation of a filtering bleb. Aqueous in the subconjunctival space may then exit by multiple pathways. Bleb failure most often results from fibroblast proliferation and subconjunctival fibrosis. Factors associated with an increased risk of bleb failure include youth, aphakia, active anterior segment neovascularization, inflammation, previously failed glaucoma filtering surgery, and, possibly, race. Several surgical and pharmacologic techniques have recently been introduced to enhance success in eyes with poor surgical prognoses. To elucidate the scientific rationale of these methods, we summarize the process of wound healing after glaucoma filtering surgery and describe postoperative clinical and histopathologic features, factors which may affect success, and specific methods to improve surgical success.

Glaucoma filtering surgery, a retrospective study of 300 operations

The results of 300 consecutive glaucoma filtering procedures, which were performed in our clinic between January 1982 and September 1985, are described. The overall combined success rate (complete + qualified) was 66.5% (Heuer's classification). This is in good agreement with other glaucoma referral centers. The peak of the age distribution curve at the time of operation was between 70 and 75 years. Nevertheless, 30% of operations was performed on patients under 50 years of age. Relatively poor success rates were obtained in operations following prior unsuccessful filtering surgery (50.5%) or other surgery (47%), in patients under 50 years of age (61%) and in some types of secondary glaucoma. In aphakia/pseudophakia the success rate was 33%. The posterior capsule was intact only 13% of this category at the time of surgery, in 56% previously unsuccessful filtering surgery had been performed, and the age at operation was relatively young (53 yr). These factors have an unfavorable influence on the results of filtering surgery. The success rate in phakic primary open angle glaucoma was 85% and in phakic primary angle closure glaucoma 73%. The combination with a cataract extraction (in 28%) and a peripheral iridectomy, if this had not been performed previously, (in 31%) may have contributed to the relatively favorable surgical results in phakic primary angle closure glaucoma. Relatively high intraocular pressures were found in the early postoperative period; the peak of the pressure-curve was between 20 and 25 mm Hg, 10 mm Hg higher than at the end of follow-up. Postoperative progression of glaucomatous visual field defects was noted in 7%. The most disturbing complication was flat anterior chamber, causing or enhancing cataract formation (in 4 out of 8 phakic patients) and corneal dystrophy (in 2 out of 12 patients). A review of literature is given concerning methods of improving filtration, when the surgical prognosis is poor.

Limbal- vs fornix-based conjunctival trabeculectomy flaps

We studied 20 patients with uncontrolled symmetric glaucoma who had undergone bilateral trabeculectomy after having received the same medical or laser treatment to both eyes. In each patient, the techniques and suture material used in the two eyes were identical, and the surgeon was the same. The only variable was the type of conjunctival flap used: one eye received a limbal-based flap and the other a fornix-based flap. These patients were followed up from three to 13 months (median, 8.5 months). There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure control, occurrence of hyphema, size and shape of the bleb, or the rate of complications. The fornix- and limbal-based conjunctival flaps in trabeculectomy were found to yield comparable results in terms of safety and short-term efficacy of pressure control.