The Analysis of the Clinical Findings and Effects of Biodegradable Collagen Matrix in Trabeculectomy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To observe the effects of biodegradable collagen matrix (OculusGen(TM)) on filtering bleb formation and maintenance and to investigate its clinical effects and usefulness in trabeculectomy. METHODS: Ophthalmologic examinations were preformed 1 day, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively in the case and control groups. The clinical findings of the filtering bleb were observed, and the clinical effects measured by mean intraocular pressure and complications were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The success rates were 76% in the case group and 88% in the control group, and there were no significant differences between the case and control groups. In the case group, postoperative conjunctival injection persisted for more than 1 month with increasing severity, while ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed increased echogenicity of the subconjuctival and tenon tissue with no definite space-occupying effect. CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy utilizing collagen matrix showed similar clinical results compared to the current traditional trabeculectomy; slit-lamp and ultrasound biomicroscopy findings did not reveal any advantageous changes to filtering bleb function.