Deep Sclerectomy Versus Trabeculectomy: A Morphological Study With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Publisher Pubmed



Konstantopoulos A^{1, 2} ; Yadegarfar ME³ ; Yadegarfar G^{4, 5} ; Stinghe A¹ ; Macleod A¹ ; Jacob A¹ ; Hossain P^{1, 2}
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology Published:2013

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering mechanisms of deep sclerectomy (DS) with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional study, AS-OCT parameters were compared between DS, trabeculectomy and control cases. Association with IOP and success (IOP ≤16 mm Hg without medication) was investigated. Results: 18 DS (15 patients), 17 trabeculectomy (16 patients) and 15 controls (15 patients) were examined. Successful had a taller intrascleral lake (IL) and thicker conjunctival/Tenon's layer (CTL) than non-successful cases (513.3 vs 361.1 μm, p=0.027 and 586.7 vs 251.1 μm, p<0.001, respectively). CTL thickness correlated with IOP (r= -0.6407, p=0.004). CTL thickness was significantly different between controls, DS and trabeculectomy (mean (SD): 203.3 (62.6) vs 418.9 (261.9) vs 604.1 (220.7) μm, p<0.0001). Successful trabeculectomy cases had a taller bleb cavity (BC) than non-successful cases (607.5 vs 176.7 μm, p=0.041). CTL microcysts were detected in 50% of DS and 52.9% of trabeculectomy cases ( p=1). Conclusions: Trans-conjunctival aqueous percolation was identified as a novel DS drainage route. DS had a fluid reservoir below the scleral flap, the IL, in analogy to the trabeculectomy BC. A postoperative tall IL and a thick CTL were associated with good outcome.