The use of ultrasound biomicroscopy following trabeculectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether ultrasound biomicroscopic (UBM) appearance can predict successful lowering of the intraocular pressure following trabeculectomy.


METHODS
Blinded prospective study.


METHODS
Glaucoma clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Calgary.


METHODS
Forty-six patients who had undergone trabeculectomy 1 week to 22 years earlier were recruited. In three cases UBM scanning was stopped because of discomfort, and five studies were excluded because the clinical information became known to the ultrasonographer. A total of 44 studies from 46 patients were analysed.


METHODS
Intraocular pressure and need for medication, UBM appearance.


RESULTS
In 38 (86%) of the 44 studies there was a positive association between the UBM grade and the clinical findings. UBM had a sensitivity of 91% in predicting a functioning bleb and a specificity of 70% in predicting a nonfunctioning bleb.


CONCLUSIONS
UBM is a useful adjunct to the glaucoma surgeon in the management of certain patients following trabeculectomy.
McWhae
J A
JA
Department of Surgery, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alta.
Crichton
A C
AC
D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005123:Eye / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014130:Trabeculectomy; D014463:Ultrasonography