ISSN:
1573-2630
Keywords:
excimer laser
;
photoablative filtration
;
primary open-angle glaucoma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We have performed ab-externo photoablative filtration surgery on 19 patients affected by uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma. All cases had wide open angles, were previously treated with argon laser trabeculoplasty and were considered good candidates for trabeculectomy. After topical and peribulbar anesthesia, a limbus-based conjunctival flap was dissected. Photoablation of a rectangular area at the limbus was performed with an argon fluoride excimer laser (193 nm), at 180mJxsq cm fluence. The beam was shaped in the appropriate fashion using a custom-made metal mask. Photoablation was continued until aqueous appeared percolating through the juxtacanalicular tissue at the bottom of the crater; a water-tight closure of conjunctiva was then performed. Postoperatively, the anterior chamber reaction was minimal; in no case a flat chamber or choroidal detachment was observed. In 18 of the 19 cases the IOP was significantly lowered, and a filtering bleb developed. Mean preoperative IOP was 26.4 (±7) mmHg. At a median follow-up of 9 months (range 4–15) the IOP is〈18 mmHg on no medications in 16 (84%) of the eyes, with a mean value of 13.3 (±6) mmHg. Our short-term results support excimer laser photoablative filtration as a relatively safe and effective procedure for primary open-angle glaucoma.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00917992
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