Glaucoma-filtering bleb infections
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Glaucoma-inducing Procedure in an In Vivo Rat Model and Whole-mount Retina Preparation
Published on: March 12, 2016
1Department of Opthalmology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
To present a review of the current literature regarding the management of glaucoma-filtering bleb infections.
Recent Findings:
With the increased use of intraoperative antifibrotic (eg, mitomycin and fluorouracil) as an adjunct to standard trabeculectomy, an increased incidence is seen of late-onset filtering bleb-related infections. These infections range from infections localized to the bleb (blebitis) to endophthalmitis. Risk factors for bleb-related infections include an inferior or nasally located bleb; presence of a high bleb or blepharitis; development of a late-onset bleb leak; use of antifibrotic agents; chronic antibiotic use; and performance of a trabeculectomy alone versus a combined procedure.
Summary:
The optimal treatment for bleb-related infections is evolving, but consensus is that a high degree of vigilance and aggressive treatment are key to minimizing the potentially blinding nature of this complication. It is important to note that those glaucoma procedures that provide the lowest intraocular pressure are often those that predispose to bleb-related infections.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Microbiome of the Eye
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways