[Needle revision of late failing filtering blebs after glaucoma surgery]

To evaluate the results of bleb needling in eyes subjected to filtering surgery six months or more previously.

A retrospective study of 23 eyes in 21 patients subjected to bleb needling performed by means of a 25G needle, 6 months to 23 years after failed filtering surgery (mean 67.3 months). The mean number of bleb needlings was 1.2 and the mean number of 5-fluorouracil subconjunctival injections was 3.9.

The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) before needling was 26 mmHg and the mean anti-glaucoma medications was 1.3 per eye. The mean postoperative IOP was 16.3 mmHg and mean anti-glaucoma medications 0.7. A diffuse filtering bleb was evident in 12 eyes (54.5%). The results of needling were worse in eyes subjected to previous surgery for glaucoma or other failed bleb needling procedures (75% failure).

Needle revision of the filtering bleb is a simple and safe technique that offers good results even years after a filtering surgery had been performed. It should be considered before other medical or surgical treatments in patients with a previously functioning bleb and a permeable sclerectomy site at gonioscopy.