Posters

The effect of antiglaucoma procedures (trabeculectomy vs. Ex-PRESS glaucoma drainage implant) on the corneal biomechanical properties

Poster Details

First Author: A.Konstantinidis GREECE

Co Author(s): G. Panos   S. Edinerli   D. Dardabounis   M. Gkika   K. Ioannakis   G. Labiris     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of the antiglaucoma procedures on the corneal biomachanical properties

Setting:

University Eye Clinic, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis

Methods:

Thirty eyes of thirty patients were included in the study. Eighteen patients had an Ex-PRESS implant inserted under a scleral flap (group 1) and twelve patient had standard trabeculectomy (group 2). Both procedures were augmented with the intraoperative use of antimetabolites. Intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured 1 to 3 weeks preoperatively, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively

Results:

Both procedures had similar hypotonic effect at all postoperative time points. CH was significantly increased and CRF significantly decreased after surgery in both groups at all time points (p<0.05). When the two groups were compared it was shown that the increase of the CH and the decrease of the CRF was similar in both study groups.

Conclusions:

The biomechanical properties of the cornea change significantly after glaucoma filtering operations and this can affect the true IOP measurement.Tthe main reason for the increase of the CH is the reduction of the IOP, while the reduction of the CRF values can be attributed to the influence of the surgery and/or the presence of a foreign body (Ex-PRESS minishunt) in the vicinity of the cornea. The clinician should bear this in mind when examining the patients in the postoperative period

Financial Disclosure:

None