Amniotic Membrane in Trabeculectomy: An Experimental Study

Background: To assess the potential use of amniotic membrane graft (AMG) for augmenting trabeculectomy. Methods: Sixteen eyes of 8 rabbits were randomly divided into a study group that underwent trabeculectomy with AMG, and a control group that underwent trabeculectomy alone. Result: The mean duration of blebs was greater in the study group as compared to the controls (p=0.009). On day 1, the IOP was low in both groups (p<0.001). At 1 week, the study group IOP remained low but reached preoperative levels at 2 weeks and 1 month. In the control group the IOP reached preoperative levels at 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month. Histologically, the early functioning bleb showed filtering spaces. There was subconjunctival fibrosis at 1 week in the controls and at 2 weeks in the study group. Conclusion: AMG had a short term augmenting effect on trabeculectomy in this animal model.