Limbus-based versus fornix-based conjunctival flap in glaucoma filtering surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Glaucoma management often requires surgical intervention to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Trabeculectomy is a common glaucoma surgery, with variations in flap technique.
• Comparing different trabeculectomy flap types is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of fornix-based versus limbus-based trabeculectomy flaps in treating glaucoma.
• To evaluate key surgical outcomes including intraocular pressure, bleb morphology, and need for additional treatment.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 18 glaucoma patients undergoing bilateral trabeculectomy.
• Each patient received one fornix-based and one limbus-based flap procedure in alternate eyes.
• Intraocular pressure, bleb morphology, anterior chamber depth, and need for further treatment were assessed pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• The fornix-based flap procedure showed a significantly higher success rate (p < 0.05) compared to the limbus-based flap.
• Patients receiving the fornix-based flap required less additional therapy post-surgery.
• Superior bleb morphology was observed with the fornix-based flap technique.

Conclusions:

• The fornix-based trabeculectomy flap is a more effective surgical approach for glaucoma management.
• This technique offers improved success rates, reduced need for adjunctive therapies, and favorable bleb characteristics.