Effects of tranilast on filtering blebs: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of topical instillation of 0.5% tranilast eye drops on intraocular pressure (IOP) and bleb formation after glaucoma filtering surgery.


METHODS
This was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, and controlled clinical trial. A total of 52 eyes of 52 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 0.5% tranilast eye drops (24 eyes) or vehicle saline solution (28 eyes) 4 times daily for 3 months after trabeculectomy. Features of the bleb, such as vascularization and size, and intraocular pressure were studied.


RESULTS
The incidence of vascularized bleb and "pseudopod" formation 6 months post treatment were more common in tranilast-treated eyes than control eyes (P = 0.019 and P = 0.043, respectively). The bleb was significantly larger at 6 and 12 months (P = 0.024 and P = 0.049, respectively), and reduction of the IOP was more significant for 2 years postoperatively (P = 0.002 to P = 0.032) in tranilast-treated eyes than control eyes. No vision-threatening side reactions were associated with tranilast.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of topical tranilast after filtering surgery alleviates ischemia of the filtering bleb, reduces IOP, and increases the size of the bleb.
Chihara
Etsuo
E
Sensho-kai Eye Institute, Kyoto, Japan. chiha49@sa2.so-net.ne.jp
Dong
Jin
J
Ochiai
Haruyuki
H
Hamada
Sachiko
S
D000287:Administration, Topical; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D007511:Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012590:Sclera / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects*; D014130:Trabeculectomy; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates; C012293:tranilast