Preliminary evaluation of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy with autoloyous scleral implant in open-angle glaucoma

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the short term result of the use of an autologous scleral implant during the non penetrating deep sclerectomy operation instead of the more expensive collagen implant. This study included 20 eyes of 20 patients with mean age of 42.3 +/- 8.1 years. All patients were indicated for conventional deep sclerectomy operation but we implanted an autologous scieral implant. This technique succeeded in declining the mean lop to 13.8 +/- 2.46 by the end of the follow up period. The final success rate was complete success in 65% of cases and qualified success in additional 30%. Nd YAG goniopuncture was needed in about 40% of cases but the disadvantage was the early need for this procedure. The laser interference was needed around the third month postoperatively in most of the cases. The use of autologous scleral implant can give a comparable result to the use of the expensive collagen implant in controlling IOP but with less operative cost to the patient. The only problem in this technique is the more implant-induced fibrosis. So, Nd YAG goniopuncture should be considered to be done within the first 3 months of surgery especially in cases with advanced glaucomatous cupping and major visual field defects