Autologous conjunctival resurfacing of leaking filtering blebs.

Journal: Ophthalmology
Published:
Abstract

Objective: To present a case series of a new technique to repair late bleb leaks.

Methods: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series. Methods: Forty-seven autologous conjunctival resurfacings of late bleb leaks were performed by four surgeons at two institutions. Methods: Autologous conjunctival grafts were placed over existing de-epithelialized leaking blebs. Methods: Leak-free, Seidel-negative blebs and controlled glaucoma.

Results: After a mean follow-up of 14 +/- 12 months, one patient continued to have bleb leak at the last follow-up, and one frank leak resolved with aqueous suppression. Intraocular pressure increased from 6.6 +/- 4.4 mmHg (0.13 glaucoma medications) to 11.9 +/- 4.1 mmHg (0.41 glaucoma medications).

Conclusions: Conjunctival resurfacing with autologous tissue is an effective technique to repair late bleb leaks.

Authors
L Harris, G Yang, R Feldman, R Fellman, R Starita, J Lynn, A Chuang