Needling with 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Non-Functioning Functioning Filtering Blebs

ABSTRACT

The functional loss of bleb due to fibrosis after trabeculeetomy is not rare in glaucoma patients but it is possible the restore to function of bleb with simple treatment. The authors reviewed 15 eyes of 14 patients at least 6 months follow up after the needling and 5-FU injection for the non-functioning bleb after trabeculectomy, in terms of intraocular pressure control and complication. After needling of the non-functioning bleb, 5-FU was used 2mg dosage at one time and average total dosage of 12mg, subconjunctivally. The intraocular pressure was controlled under 21mmHg in 12 of 15 eyes (80%) after this procedure with or without medication. The complication observed is a corneal epithelial defect in 3 of 15 eyes (20%). Therefore, the needling and 5-FU injection for non-functioning bleb after trabeculectomy is recommended before reoperation because it is simple and safe method.