Abstract

PURPOSE:

To identify the clinical and anatomic characteristics of filtering blebs after glaucoma surgery with a new biodegradable collagen implant, Ologen, using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and Visante anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS:

The authors conducted a prospective interventional case series in 15 eyes with openangleglaucoma. The authors performed limbal-based deep sclerectomy with Ologen implantation in the scleral bed. UBM, Visante anterior segment OCT, and a complete ophthalmic examination were performed at each follow-up visit, at 1 day, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly reduced (p<0.001) from a mean preoperative value of 24.2-/+6.8 mmHg (n=2.82 glaucoma medications) to a mean postoperative value of 8.1-/+1.2 (n=0), 8.5-/+1.3 (n=0), 11.7-/+3.2 (n=0), and 14.2-/+3.9 mmHg (n=0.33) at 1 day, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. Lower IOP correlated with bleb height and low trabeculocorneal membrane thickness (r=0.79, p<0.01, r=0.91, p<0.001) based on UBM examination. Lower IOP correlated with thin bleb wall, large subconjunctival fluid spaces, and low bleb tissue reflectivity (r=0.81, p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.001) based on OCT examination. No postoperative complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

UBM and OCT examinations are useful methods to evaluate outflow mechanisms after glaucoma surgery. Deep sclerectomy with Ologen implantation seems to be an effective and well-tolerated method to reduce IOP.