[Characteristics of filtering blebs after fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the characteristics of filtering blebs after fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel.


METHODS
We studied 119 eyes of 149 patients who had undergone fornix-based trabeculectomy with mitomycin C as their primary surgery between 2000 and 2002 and in whom we could evaluate the characteristics of filtering blebs after a follow-up period of 6 months or more, and whose intraocular pressure at the evaluation time was 18 mmHg or less. We evaluated the width, depth, height, border, avascular area, conjunctival thickness, and late-onset bleb leak of the filtering blebs.


RESULTS
The mean period of evaluation was 528 +/- 243 days (mean +/- standard deviation) after surgery, and the mean intraocular pressure at that time was 12.0 +/- 3.0 mmHg. Among these patients, 108 eyes (72.5%) had completely diffuse blebs and 90 eyes (60.4%) had completely vascular blebs. There was no apparent late-onset bleb leak.


CONCLUSIONS
Fornix-based trabeculectomy with a scleral tunnel appears to be an effective method of developing diffuse, vascular and safe blebs with a low risk of late-onset bleb leak.
Kano
Kiyoshi
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Koseinenkin Hospital, Japan.
Kuwayama
Yasuaki
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*
D016685:Mitomycin