PURPOSE The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and the ED-A splice variant of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin modulate wound healing and scar formation. To further elucidate their possible role in filtering bleb scarring after glaucoma surgery in human eyes in vivo, we studied the cell type specific localization of TGF-beta receptors and the presence of ED-A fibro...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical status of a filtering bleb with visible pigment (intra-bleb pigmentation, IBP), in a case-controlled manner. MATERIAL AND METHOD Forty-one patients with IBP and 40 patients without visible pigment in blebs (controls) were enrolled from the authors' clinic. All patients underwent either trabeculectomy alone or combined cataract extraction with intraocular len...

AIM To report the patient characteristics, causative organisms, and clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent bleb related ocular infections. METHODS The medical records of all patients diagnosed with bleb related ocular infection at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary over a 10 year period were reviewed. Recurrent bleb infection was defined as at least two episodes of bleb purulence with o...

AIMS/BACKGROUND The introduction of the adjunctive use of antiproliferatives to trabeculectomy has greatly improved the success rate of this operation. Trabeculectomy with antiproliferative treatment, however, is usually associated with a cystic and thin walled filtering bleb, which may be more susceptible to infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical finding...

Filtering surgeries are frequently used for controlling intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. The long-term success of operation is intimately influenced by the process of wound healing at the site of surgery. Indeed, if has not been anticipated and managed accordingly, filtering surgery in high-risk patients could end up in bleb failure. Several strategies have been developed so far to ov...

CLINICAL CASE A 71-year-old woman presented with a leaking bleb after a combined phacotrabeculectomy performed 13 years ago. To construct a new filtering bleb, the necrotic area was fully excised. The amniotic membrane was inserted over the scleral flap underneath healthy conjunctiva edges. A conjunctiva-Tenon autograft from the contralateral eye was sutured and was sealed with fibrin adhesive....