Koller T, Stürmer J, Remé C, Gloor B. Membrane formation in the chamber angle after failure of argon laser trabeculoplasty: analysis of risk factors.
Br J Ophthalmol 2000;
84:48-53. [PMID:
10611099 PMCID:
PMC1723232 DOI:
10.1136/bjo.84.1.48]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM
Membrane formation in the chamber angle induced by argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) can be a cause of treatment failure. Identification of risk factors for membrane formation was the primary aim of this retrospective study.
METHODS
Semithin sections of trabeculectomy specimens obtained in a 2 year period were examined by light microscopy. 122 eyes which were treated with one or more ALTs before trabeculectomy were identified. In 46 eyes, a sufficient amount of trabecular meshwork was obtained to permit morphological analysis.
RESULTS
Eyes treated with ALT had a significantly higher incidence of membrane formation (p=0.001). In 23/46 specimens a cellular and collagenous membrane was observed covering the entire trabecular meshwork. In 14/23 specimens (61%), this membrane was readily visible at low power magnification (x40). Comparison of these eyes with those without membrane formation revealed a significant difference in the number of ALTs (mean 2.07 (SD 0.73) v 1.48 (0.59); p=0.026) and in preoperative IOP (32.0 (9. 7) v 26.2 (8.4) mm Hg; p=0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Membrane formation in the chamber angle is a frequent cause of ALT failure. The major risk factor is the number of ALTs performed.
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