Post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma: a risk factor for bleb failure after trabeculectomy

Reversed scleral tunnel technique for repair of iridodialysis after blunt force trauma: a retrospective clinical study

Background

To investigate the efficacy and safety of reversed scleral tunnel technique for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma.

Methods

A total of 51 eyes of 51 patients with iridodialysis undergoing surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (the reversed scleral tunnel technique) and group B (the control group). Before the procedure and at 1, 3, and 6 months afterward, data on the patients’ age, gender, treatments, diagnosis, mechanism of injury, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), degree of iridodialysis, lens status, concomitant ocular damage, number of sutures, complications, and follow-up time were collected and compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Iridodialysis was repaired and the pupil shape was restored to nearly round in all eyes. Standard phacoemulsification or lens removal was performed in all eyes. A final BCVA ≥20/60 was achieved in 13 eyes (48.1%) in Group A and 13 eyes (54.2%) in Group B. The IOP remained stable during the follow-up period in all eyes except 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 3 eyes (12.5%) in Group B with angle recession. There were no statistically significant differences in BCVA and IOP between group A and group B. Intraoperatively, A significantly lower percentage of extensive subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred in Group A compared to Group B (1 eye versus 24 eyes, χ2 = 47.1, P = 0.00). Hyphema was observed in 2 eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 1 eye (4.2%) in Group B. Postoperatively, two eyes (7.4%) in Group A and 2 eyes (8.3%) in Group B developed retinal detachment. No other complications were noted during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The reversed scleral tunnel technique is a safe and effective approach for repairing iridodialysis after blunt force trauma with few complications, favorable cosmetic and visual outcomes.

Clinical outcomes of penetrating canaloplasty in patients with traumatic angle recession glaucoma: a prospective interventional case series

BACKGROUND/AIM

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of penetrating canaloplasty in traumatic angle recession glaucoma at 1 year.

METHODS

Patients with angle recession glaucoma underwent penetrating canaloplasty, a new Schlemm's canal-based internal drainage procedure, which creates a direct canal for flow of aqueous humour from the anterior chamber to the ostia of Schlemm's canal via a window created at the corneal scleral bed without use of antimetabolites. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. Success was defined as an IOP ≤21 mm Hg without (complete) or with (qualified) use of glaucoma medication.

RESULTS

Forty eyes in 40 patients with angle recession glaucoma underwent successful circumferential catheterisation. The mean patient age was 42±13 years. In patients with penetrating canaloplasty that was deemed to be completely successful, the mean IOP decreased from a preoperative value of 37.8±12.3 mm Hg on 3.3±1.2 anti-glaucoma medications to 18.5±6.4 mm Hg on 1.2±1.4 medications, 14.9±4.6 mm Hg on 0.1±0.5 medications, 15.7±5.4 mm Hg on 0.1±0.4 medications and 14.8±3.6 mm Hg on 0.1±0.5 medications at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05). Complete success was achieved in 35/40 eyes (87.5%) at 6 months and in 34/38 (89.5%) at 12 months. Hyphema (18/40, 45.0%) and transient IOP elevation (≥30 mm Hg, 9/40, 22.5%) were the most common postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Penetrating canaloplasty significantly reduces IOP and has a high success rate in angle recession glaucoma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1900020511.

Evaluation of primary Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation in post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma in Indian eyes

PURPOSE

To highlight the efficacy of primary Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in angle recession glaucoma following blunt ocular trauma in Indian eyes.

DESIGN

A retrospective analytical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 52 patients of angle recession glaucoma, who presented between Mar 2006 to Feb 2016, out of which 38 patients had undergone primary AGV implantation, while the rest were managed with topical anti-glaucoma medications. Preoperative data included age, sex, type and mode of injury, duration of injury, assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP). The extent of angle recession was observed by gonioscopy. The intraocular pressure, visual acuity, and the number of anti-glaucoma medications were measured postoperatively. The success of this technique was analyzed by using a Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve.

RESULTS

Following AGV implantation, the mean IOP was significantly reduced to 8.7 ± 2.2 at 1st day, 10.1 ± 2.2 at 7th day, 14.2 ± 3.4 at 3rd month, 15.6 ± 3.7 at 1 year, and 15.6 ± 3.6 at 3rd-year follow-up showing statistically significant values (p < 0.001) at each visit. The IOP was successfully controlled at the last follow-up without topical treatment. Mean BCVA at 3 years -post-AGV was 0.144 (0.151) (LogMAR) which was statistically significant (p < 0.001) as compared to the mean BCVA of 0.898 (± 0.205) LogMAR units at presentation. The success rate by Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was 90% at the mean follow-up duration of 29.47 ± 3.39 months. Overall surgical complications were noted in the form of prolonged hypotony, hyphema in 7 patients (13.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In medically uncontrolled post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma, primary AGV Implantation is a safe and effective surgical procedure with lesser complication rates providing long-term IOP control in a younger population.

Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin-C in Post-Traumatic Angle Recession Glaucoma in Phakic Eyes With no Prior Intraocular Intervention

PURPOSE

: To evaluate the outcomes of primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C (trab MMC) in phakic eyes with post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma with no prior intraocular surgeries.

METHODS

: We included 32 phakic eyes of 32 patients who underwent trab MMC between January-2002 and December-2017. Complete success was IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg without anti-glaucoma medications (AGM) and failure was when IOP >21 mm Hg with AGM or need for additional intervention for IOP control or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

: Thirty-two eyes of 32 subjects with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 30.6 ± 12.6 years were included. The majority were male (97.6%) and the major cause of blunt trauma were sports injury in 28/32 eyes (88%) and 24/32 eyes (75%) had >180-degree angle recession. The Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 1.3 years (0.3,3.5). There was significant IOP reduction at 1-year postoperatively (34 (28,40) to 13 (12,16) mm Hg; p < .001). The median postoperative AGM at 1-year was significantly less (4 (3,4) to 0; p < .001) with stable Log MAR visual acuity (p = .24). The complete survival of trab MMC was 88% at 1 year and was 77% from 2 to 5 years. Complications were intraoperative vitreous prolapse needing limited vitrectomy in two eyes and postoperative choroidal detachment in two eyes that resolved with conservative management. The contralateral eyes of three patients (9.7%) developed elevated IOP during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

: Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C in phakic eyes with traumatic angle recession glaucoma showed good safety and efficacy in the medium-term follow-up. The contralateral fellow eye needs monitoring for glaucoma in these patients.

Efficacy and Safety of Sutureless Trabeculectomy with Using Porous Collagen (Ologen) in Management of Glaucoma Patients

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of sutureless trabeculectomy using a porous collagen matrix that contains a connected porous structure (Ologen) in the control of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients.

Methods

The study includes 25 eyes from 24 patients that met the inclusion criteria. All eyes underwent trabeculectomy with the Ologen implant that provides a space with a dynamic and physiological aqueous reservoir system. The operation was considered successful if IOP is <15 mmHg without need of IOP-lowering drops at 18 months of follow-up.

Results

The target IOP was achieved in 21 out of the 25 eyes (84%), the remaining four eyes all had an IOP of 16 mmHg at 18 months. Short-term complications consisted of seven cases of bleb leakage treated with bandage contact lens and one case of mild choroidal effusion which resolved after observation alone.

Conclusions

We can conclude that this technique can provide safety, effectiveness and short learning curve for ophthalmology trainees with lower incidence of perioperative and postoperative complications. Further studies may be required to prove stability and long-term efficacy in management of glaucoma patients.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty in patients with angle recession glaucoma: A small case series

PURPOSE

To describe the results of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in eyes with angle recession glaucoma (ARG). To our knowledge, this is the first report of SLT being used as treatment modality for angle recession glaucoma. Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) was used for ARG but showed a little therapeutic effect.

OBSERVATIONS

Retrospective case series of 4 eyes of 4 patients with history of non-penetrating injury to the eye resulted in angle recession glaucoma. All eyes underwent SLT. Post-treatment, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, additional need for intervention, and complications were recorded. Success of treatment was defined as an IOP reduction of 20% or reduction in medications and maintaining target IOP without further intervention during follow up period of more than 3 months.Mean patient age was 44 years (SD = 9) and 2 out of 4 were females. SLT treatment resulted in decreased IOP from 21 to 12 mmHg in one patient and from 26 to 20 mmHg with reduced medication burden in another patient and reduced medication burden in the third patient who stopped glaucoma medication with no significant change in IOP (from 10 to 14 mmHg) at last follow up visit at 45 months. Two SLT sessions failed in one patient who underwent tube surgery.In the 3 patients with successful treatment, IOP remained controlled for the duration of follow up ranging from 4 to 45 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Predicting IOP outcomes after SLT is difficult in patients with ARG. Success was noted early in the post-treatment period and was maintained for years. Repeating SLT in a case of early failure didn't change the result and is not recommended. A larger study is required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of SLT for ARG.

Pathophysiology and management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension related to trauma

Ocular trauma is a significant cause of blindness worldwide, particularly if associated with glaucoma. Direct damage from blunt or penetrating trauma, bleeding, inflammation, lens-related problems, orbital and brain vascular pathologies related to trauma, and chemical injuries may increase intraocular pressure and lead to traumatic glaucoma. Treatment may be as simple as eliminating the underlying cause in some conditions or management can be challenging, depending on the mechanism of damage. If proper management is not undertaken, visual outcomes can be poor. We discuss a broad spectrum of trauma-related mechanisms of intraocular pressure elevation, as well as their management.

Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed or Baerveldt Tube Shunt Implantation for medically Uncontrolled Traumatic Glaucoma

Aim

To describe postoperative surgical success of either Ahmed or Baerveldt tube shunt implantation for eyes with medically uncontrolled traumatic glaucoma.

Materials and methods

A review was carried out to identify patients with traumatic glaucoma that required tube shunt implantation between 2009 and 2015 at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Seventeen eyes from 17 patients met inclusion criteria, including at least 3-month postoperative follow-up. The main outcome measure was surgical success at 1-year follow-up after tube implantation.

Results

Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.1 ± 8.2 mm Hg on 3.1 ± 1.6 ocular hypotensive medications. Nine eyes (53%) sustained closed globe injury. Ten eyes (59%) received an Ahmed valve shunt and seven eyes (41%) received a Baerveldt tube shunt. Surgical success rate at 1 year postoperatively was 83%. Compared to preoperative, the mean postoperative IOP was significantly lower (16.1 ± 3.5 mm Hg, p < 0.001) on significantly fewer ocular hypertensive medications (1.3 ± 1.6, p = 0.001) at a mean follow-up of 10 months. Mean IOP reduction at last follow-up was 49%. There were three cases of surgical failures: One case of hypotony, one case of tube extrusion with subsequent explan-tation, and one case requiring second tube insertion for IOP control.

Conclusion

Implantation of an Ahmed or Baerveldt tube shunt provided successful control of IOP in patients with medically uncontrollable traumatic glaucoma.

How to cite this article

Yadgarov A, Liu D, Crane ES, Khouri AS. Surgical Outcomes of Ahmed or Baerveldt Tube Shunt Implantation for medically Uncontrolled Traumatic Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2017;11(1):16-21.

Glaucoma After Open-globe Injury at a Tertiary Care University Hospital: Cumulative Causes and Management

PURPOSE

To investigate causes and treatment modalities of traumatic glaucoma after open-globe injury (OGI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of all patients with postrepair follow-up of OGI at a tertiary care university hospital from January 1996 to December 2010 were reviewed. These patients had persistent elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) of >21 mm Hg at 2 consecutive visits, with or without optic disc damages.

RESULTS

Over the 14-year study period, 41 eyes of 41 patients with repaired OGI that developed glaucoma were identified. In the early stage (within 1 mo), high IOP levels occurred owing to the presence of unremoved lens particles in 11 patients (26.8%), inflammation in 6 patients (14.6%), and hyphema in 3 patients (7.3%). In the intermediate stage (2 to 6 mo), the IOP increased owing to the presence of synechial angle closure in 9 patients (21.9%) and ghost cells in 3 patients (7.3%). In the late stage (>6 mo), the IOP rose owing to the presence of unremoved lens particles in 2 patients (4.8%), angle recession in 4 patients (9.7%), and synechial angle closure in 3 patients (7.3%). Surgical interventions included trabeculectomy in 9 eyes (22%), lens aspiration in 9 eyes (22%), cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in 5 eyes (12.2%), anterior chamber washout in 3 eyes (7.3%), and tube surgery in 2 eyes (4.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic glaucoma is not uncommon long-term complication after OGI. It is important to inspect the association between the initial cause and achieving a successful treatment. Surgical intervention may be crucial in the majority of cases.

Glaucoma after open globe injury

Ocular trauma remains a core root of avoidable blindness worldwide. Corneal scarring, lens injury, glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal or choroidal detachment and endophthalmitis are sequel to ocular trauma that can lead to blindness. Very few studies have been published to tackle the risk of developing post-traumatic glaucoma after open globe injuries (OGI), however, there are many articles discussing closed eye injury. This review article aims to cover the incidence, risk factors, causes and treatment of glaucoma after open globe injury.

Intrascleral reverse pocket approach of transconjunctival transscleral sulcus fixation of intraocular lens in eyes with ocular trauma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of a novel technique of intrascleral reverse pocket approach of transconjunctival transscleral (TC-TS) sulcus fixation of intraocular lens (IOL) implants in posttraumatic eyes.

METHOD

A prospective case series of 12 patients who had ocular trauma underwent TC-TS fixation of intraocular implants (including posterior chamber IOLs, rigid or foldable and capsular tension ring) were examined for any intraoperative complications, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), status of conjunctiva, and other potential complications.

RESULTS

Twelve eyes of 12 patients (8 men and 4 women) with a mean follow-up of 14.5±7.25 months were included in the analysis. In no case was any intraoperative deroofing of the tunnel or buttonholing of the conjunctiva performed. The mean final BCVA (in Snellen Equivalent [SE]) showed significant improvement from preoperative levels (0.48±0.29 SE vs. 0.65±0.19 SE, respectively; P=0.049). One case showed a single line drop in the BCVA at final follow-up. Another case had a dispersed vitreous hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative period that cleared in 3 weeks' time. One eye demonstrated a clinically detectable IOL tilt, which was corrected by astigmatic prescription in the spectacle glass. None of the cases exhibited postoperative suture knot erosion or breakage of polypropylene sutures until the last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of intrascleral reverse pocket approach of TC-TS fixation is a successful method of sulcus fixation, which can obviate the need for conjunctival peritomy, thus helping in salvaging the conjunctiva for any future trabeculectomy in posttraumatic eyes predisposed to developing glaucoma.

The management of complicated glaucoma

Complicated glaucomas present considerable diagnostic and management challenges. Response to treatment can be unpredictable or reduced compared with other glaucomas. However, target intraocular pressure and preservation of vision may be achieved with selected medical, laser and surgical treatment. The evidence for such treatment is expanding and consequently affords clinicians a better understanding of established and novel techniques. Herein we review the mechanisms involved in the development of complicated glaucoma and the current evidence supporting its management.

[Wound healing modulation in glaucoma surgery]

The wound healing response is one of the major determinants of filtering surgery success. Over the last two decades, antifibrotic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin C (MMC), have modified the prognosis of filtering surgery, particularly in patients at high risk for failure. Nevertheless, these agents are associated with severe complications. In order to maximize their benefits and minimize the rate of complications, the use of these powerful treatments has to be carefully evaluated in relation to patient risk factors for scarring. The choice of an antifibrotic agent, mode, dose and duration of application should be made with complete knowledge of the different effects of these treatments and adapted for each patient after an exhaustive preoperative evaluation.

[Glaucoma surgery and retinal pathology]

The occurrence of hypertonia during a surgically treated retinal disease is frequent because these disorders often involve the same population of patients. The main cause of postoperative hypertonia remains a preoperative unknown glaucoma. Hypertonia occurring before the treatment of a retinal detachment can result from angle recession glaucoma, ghost cell glaucoma, or Schwartz-Matzuo syndrome; all of which are frequently associated with trauma. Hypertonia occurring after the surgery of a retinal detachment can be caused by scleral buckling, a topical postoperative steroid treatment, or an internal tamponade with gas or silicone. The latter is responsible for severe hypertonia that is frequently resistant to treatment. Hypertonia occurring after the use of triamcinolone is usually controlled with medical treatment. Prior filtrating surgery can lead to technical problems during retinal surgery. The knowledge of pre-existing glaucoma may be reason for cautious management of retinal surgery.

Long-term follow-up of traumatic glaucoma treated with Molteno implants

PURPOSE

To determine the long-term outcomes of patients with traumatic glaucoma treated with Molteno implants at Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand.

DESIGN

Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-eight patients with traumatic glaucoma and with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years.

INTERVENTION

Insertion of Molteno implant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP) and intraocular pressure-related surgical interventions after Molteno implant insertion.

RESULTS

Insertion of a Molteno implant controlled the IOP at 21 mmHg or less (with or without hypotensive medication) with a probability of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66, 0.93) at 5 years and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.56, 0.88) at 10 years. At final follow-up, intraocular pressure was controlled solely with the implant in 26 cases and controlled with the addition of hypotensive medication in three cases, whereas nine eyes were failures. Eleven patients (29%) underwent intervention for implant repositioning or tube orifice blockage. Thirty-four double- and six single-plate Molteno implants were inserted. Two patients had implants replaced. Seventy-nine percent became aphakic or pseudophakic from their trauma before or at the time of Molteno implant insertion. There were no exclusions resulting from extensive ocular damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Insertion of Molteno implants in traumatic glaucoma produced intraocular pressure control at long-term follow-up in 76% of cases.

Efficacy and safety of contact transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for advanced glaucoma

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory, advanced glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eyes of 100 patients with advanced glaucoma refractory to medical treatment were consecutively treated by transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation. Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg in eyes with a visual acuity of more than hard movements, relief of pain in eyes with a visual acuity of hand movements or less including blind eyes, and reduction of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor use in all eyes.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were followed up for 1 year after initial treatment. The overall success rate was 74.2%. Of 60 eyes with a visual acuity of more than hand movements, intraocular pressure between 5 and 21 mm Hg was achieved in 41 (68.3%) eyes. Relief of pain was achieved in 28 (84.8%) of 33 eyes. Reduction of systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor use was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Within 1 year, 173 laser procedures (mean, 1.9 per patient) were performed. The probability of success increased significantly (P = 0.004) with the age of the patients, from 55% for patients younger than the age of 50 years to 83% for patients older than the age of 50 years. Previous ocular surgery decreased the success probability from 95% to 68% (P = 0.02). A high success rate was achieved in inflammatory glaucoma (75%), primary open-angle glaucoma (89.5%), and neovascular glaucoma (86.7%). The results were relatively poor in traumatic glaucoma (57.1%), aphakic glaucoma (57.1%), and congenital or juvenile glaucoma (62.5%). No significant relationship between loss of visual acuity and failure of treatment (P = 0.3) could be detected. No phthisis bulbi or persistent hypotonia developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of advanced, refractory glaucoma. However, repeated treatments are often necessary. Success of treatment depends on the age of patients, previous surgery, and the type of glaucoma.

Non-enhanced trabeculectomy by non-glaucoma specialists: are results related to risk factors for failure?

PURPOSE

To determine the 1 year success rate of non-enhanced trabeculectomy under the care of non-glaucoma specialists and the effects of risk factors on the surgical outcome as measured by intraocular pressure (IOP) control.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 167 patients undergoing trabeculectomy was performed. One hundred and four cases were performed in a teaching hospital and 63 in a district general hospital (DGH). Non-glaucoma specialists performed all the operations, enhanced trabeculectomy with antimetabolites being excluded. Information was recorded from a retrospective review of case notes, and post-operative IOPs at 12 months follow-up were analysed. Risk factors for failure were defined as: (1) age less than 40 years old, (2) black race, (3) diabetes mellitus, (4) miotic therapy > or = 18 months, (5) sympathomimetic therapy > or = 6 months, (6) pseudophakia or aphakia, (7) previous failed filtration procedure, (8) argon laser trabeculoplasty, (9) previous ocular surgery and (10) high-risk glaucoma (angle recession glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma and neovascular glaucoma). A success was defined to be a post-operative IOP at 1 year of less than 21 mmHg and at least 20% less than the presenting IOP on no medication.

RESULTS

The overall success rate was 139 of 167 (83.2%). Eighty-seven of 104 eyes (83.7%) were classified as a success in the teaching hospital group and 52 of 63 (82.5%) were classified as a success in the DGH group. There was no significant difference in the number of risk factors between the success and failure groups. Eyes with two or more risk factors had significantly higher IOPs at 1 year when compared with eyes with 0 or 1 risk factor (mean +/- SD: 17.4 +/- 6.34 mmHg vs 14.2 +/- 5.0 mmHg, p = 0.022). When only 'successful eyes' were analysed, those with two or more risk factors still had significantly higher IOPs at 1 year (mean +/- SD: 15.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg vs 12.8 +/- 3.9 mmHg, p = 0.046). There were significantly fewer eyes in the two or more risk factor group with IOPs < 16 mmHg at 1 year (26.1% vs 60.4%, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes at relatively low risk for failure operated upon by non-glaucoma specialists appeared to have success rates similar to previously published series. Eyes with two or more risk factors for failure have higher IOPs at 1 year in non-enchanced trabeculectomy. Adjunctive anti-scarring agents may be considered for these patients when filtration surgery is scheduled.

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the treatment of post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma

AIM

The presence of traumatic angle recession is a risk factor for failure of glaucoma filtration surgery and a previous study has suggested that antimetabolite treatment should be used in these patients. This study was undertaken to determine for the first time the mid term results of trabeculectomy with intraoperative application of mitomycin C in patients with post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of 43 consecutive trabeculectomy procedures in 41 young black/mixed race patients followed for a mean period of 25 months (range 2-66 months). Mitomycin C 0.02% was applied between the sclera and conjunctiva for 1-5 minutes at the time of surgery. The intraocular pressure and visual acuity were measured postoperatively. The success of this technique was analysed by using a Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival curve.

RESULTS

The intraocular pressure was successfully controlled at last follow up without topical treatment in 77% (33/43 eyes) and the visual acuity was the same or better in 81% (35/43 eyes). Cumulative probability of success was 85% at 1 year follow up, 81% at 2 years, and 66% at 3 years and thereafter. Hypotonous maculopathy occurred in one patient and no cases of late bleb infection were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In medically uncontrolled post-traumatic angle recession glaucoma trabeculectomy with mitomycin C is an effective surgical procedure with an acceptable complication rate. Good intraocular pressure control and preservation of vision can be expected in most patients.

Secondary glaucoma

PURPOSE: To review the common causes of secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Review of current literature. RESULTS: Secondary open and closed angle glaucomas are an important cause of ocular morbidity and vision loss in our community. Secondary glaucoma occurs with acquired ocular diseases (pigment dispersion, pseudoexfoliation, intraocular infection, intraocular inflammation and retinal vascular disease), blunt anterior segment injury, intraocular surgery (especially corneal grafting and congenital cataract surgery) and topical corticosteroid use. The medical treatment of secondary glaucoma is different from that of primary open angle glaucoma and must be tailored for the individual patient. Surgical treatment of secondary glaucoma carries a higher risk of complications and a lower rate of success than does surgical treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary glaucoma occurs with a variety of intraocular conditions and after a variety of intraocular insults. Awareness of patients at high risk should enable early detection and referral for appropriate management.

Trabeculectomy augmented with mitomycin C application under the scleral flap

AIM

The authors investigated the safety and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effectiveness of trabeculectomy augmented with mitomycin C application beneath the scleral flap, and assessed the influence of preoperative risk factors on the surgical outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 72 consecutive high risk eyes undergoing trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C (0.2 mg/ml) applied under the scleral flap for 5 minutes was performed. Each eye was ascribed a score based on the number of preoperative risk factors, and categorised into one of three risk factor groups. Success was described as unqualified where IOP was < or = 21 mm Hg without medication and qualified where antiglaucomatous therapy was required to maintain it at such a level. A life table analysis of IOP control was calculated.

RESULTS

The mean IOP (SD) fell from a preoperative level of 28.4 (6.9) to a level of 16.63 (8.06) mm Hg at the last follow up (paired Student's t test: p < 0.0001). Fifty two eyes (72%) were classed as unqualified successes. The survival rates did not differ significantly between different risk factor groups (log rank test: chi 2 = 0.967, p > 0.1). The incidence of postoperative complications compared favourably with reports of mitomycin C application between Tenon's capsule and the undissected scleral bed.

CONCLUSION

The results illustrate that mitomycin C applied beneath the scleral flap during trabeculectomy in high risk eyes is associated with a success rate comparable to other modes of application. The incidence of potentially serious complications such as conjunctival wound leak and prolonged hypotony was lower than previously published data reporting sub-Tenon's administration of mitomycin C. The number and nature of preoperative risk factors do not appear to influence the surgical outcome. A possible mechanism of action is proposed.

Long-term survival of Molteno glaucoma drainage devices

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcome of the Molteno implant drainage device using survival analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 77 eyes of 71 patients that underwent Molteno implantation for intractable glaucoma unresponsive to conventional management from October 1984 to April 1990 at the University of Washington Eye Center and had at least 6 months of follow-up data. Success was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of 22 mmHg or lower with (qualified success) or without (complete success) glaucoma medications and no additional glaucoma surgery, phthisis, or loss of light perception.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 44 months (range, 6-107 months). Indications for Molteno implantation were aphakia/pseudophakia (n=24), neovascular glaucoma (n=20), uveitic glaucoma (n=12), failed trabeculectomy (n=9), traumatic glaucoma (n=8), and congenital glaucoma (n=4). The total success was 57% (23% complete; 34% qualified) at the last follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated a continuous and relatively linear attrition of success over at least 5 1/2 postoperative years. The uveitic glaucoma group had the highest success rate of 75%. Eyes with neovascular glaucoma failed significantly more frequently than those with uveitic glaucoma (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in outcome based on sex, race, single versus double plate, anterior chamber versus posterior chamber tube placement, or two-stage versus single-stage surgery. Younger age was associated with a significantly higher failure rate after controlling for glaucoma category (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The Molteno implant drainage device offers a reasonable long- term outcome in eyes with intractable glaucomas. However, an ongoing rate of failure, not unlike that seen after other filtration surgery, is to be expected.