Treatment of hyperfiltering blebs with Nd:YAG laser-induced subconjunctival bleeding.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of a new technique to manage hyperfiltering blebs after penetrating glaucoma surgery.


METHODS
Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser bursts were used to induce bleeding in conjunctival and episcleral vessels in the bleb area to achieve local delivery of autologous blood.


RESULTS
In the three cases reported here in which this technique was used, the treatment was successful and safe, leading to resolution of hypotony and reduction of the bleb with no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Subconjunctival bleeding can be achieved using Nd:YAG laser, and can represent a valuable alternative to autologous blood injection in cases of hyperfiltration after glaucoma surgery.
Bettin
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Scientific Institute H S. Raffaele, University of Milano, Italy.
Carassa
R G
RG
Fiori
M
M
Brancato
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001769:Blood; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005130:Eye Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015814:Ocular Hypotension / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012590:Sclera / Q000098:blood supply; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome