The surgical outcome of primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and A fornix-based conjunctival flap technique in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the surgical outcome of primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) and fornix-based conjunctival flap technique in Thai patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective review was conducted from the clinical records of all Thai glaucoma patients who underwent a primary trabeculectomy with MMC using a fornix-based conjunctival flap technique by or under supervision of one ophthalmologist (NK) between February 2004 and July 2006 at Siriraj Hospital, School of Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. RESULTS: There were 69 eyes from 60 patients. Postoperatively, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly decreased from 26.1 +/- 11.7 mmHg to 11.7 +/- 4.4 mmHg (p < 0.001) and mean number of anti-glaucoma medication was significantly reduced from 3.9 +/- 0.7 to 0.3 +/- 0.9 (p < 0.001) at last visit. Sixty-seven eyes (96.8%) were considered as success. Eight eyes (11.6%) in this group needed topical anti-glaucoma medications. Two eyes (2.9%) were considered as failure. Mean follow-up period was 7.7 +/- 4.0 months. Complications included bleb leaking in 16 eyes, choroidal detachment in four eyes, and blebitis in two eyes. Seven eyes with leaking bleb resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Primary trabeculectomy with MMC using afornix-based conjunctival flap technique is effective as a treatment for Thai glaucoma patients. There is a high rate of success (96.8%) with the low rate of complication.

Sequential versus combined glaucoma and cataract procedures in Siriraj Hospital.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of intraocular pressure (IOP) control after combined cataract and trabeculectomy with sequential cataract surgery after trabeculectomy, both with and without antimetabolites. Methods: The retrospective study recruited 96 eyes of 73 patients who underwent cataract and glaucoma surgery, and were classified into two groups. Group I sequential procedures: 72 eyes of 56 patients who had undergone a previous trabeculectomy (with or without antimetabolites) for at least 6 months before planned phacoemulsification or ECCE. Groups II combined procedures: 24 eyes of 17 patients who underwent combined trabeculectomy(with or without antimetabolites) with phacoemulsification or ECCE between January 1998 and May 2003. The effects on IOP, best corrected visual acuity, and number of glaucoma medications taken were compared. Results: Mean postoperative IOP without oral medications was 14.17 mmHg in group I and 17.15 mmHg in group II (p=0.05) at 12 month follow up. The mean IOP remained significantly lower in group I (13.67) than in group II (16.36) (p=0.023) at the last follow up. There was a significant difference in surgical success between the groups (p=0.005). The reduction in the mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly higher in group I (p=0.04). In group I the mean IOP before and after cataract surgery were similar (p=0.787) but the numbers of glaucoma medications used were significantly increased (p=0.000) after cataract surgery. Conclusion: Sequential glaucoma and cataract procedure was associated with better IOP control than combined procedure. Cataract surgery in eyes with functioning bleb might have the adverse effect on IOP control.

Ocular manifestations in adolescent cystinosis: case report in Thailand.

Three siblings with a family history of consanguinity presented with short stature and two of the patients had leg deformity. None of them experienced ocular or renal symptoms at presentation. After the pediatricians found characteristics of Fanconi syndrome, an ophthalmic consultation was requested Ocular examination revealed typical cystine crystals deposited in the cornea and conjunctivae. No crystal deposits were found elsewhere in the eyes. Fundoscopic examination was normal. Two patients who underwent a complete ocular examination were diagnosed as adolescent cystinosis. The youngest patient who lost to follow up before completed ocular examination was suspected for adolescent cystinosis. This is the first report of cystinosis with ocular manifestation from Thailand.

Efficacy of brimonidine 0.2 per cent as adjunctive therapy to beta-blockers: a comparative study between POAG and CACG in Asian eyes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of brimonidine as adjunctive therapy to beta-blockers between primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) in Asian eyes. DESIGN: Three-months, open-label, prospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients (35 eyes) with POAG and 25 patients (39 eyes) with CACG were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients with POAG or CACG post iridectomy whose IOP was inadequately controlled with topical beta-blocker monotherapy were included. Then, brimonidine 0.2 per cent was added twice daily in both groups. Study visit occurred at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed in all visits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy was determined by reduction in IOP from baseline and tolerability was assessed by reports of adverse events. RESULTS: After 3 months of brimonidine adjunctive treatment, the mean (+/- SEM) IOP reduction were 4.37+/-0.34 mmHg (19.4%) in POAG and 4.54+/-0.37 mmHg (20.1%) in CACG (p= 0.741). No serious ocular or systemic adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION: Brimonidine was well tolerated, efficacious and provided additive IOP reduction in POAG and CACG.