Spontaneous Trabeculectomy Bleb Reformation and Regain of Function Following Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification and cataract surgery in general often lead to trabeculectomy bleb failure. We herein describe an unusual occurrence in a 79-year-old female who had a failed trabeculectomy bleb for one year prior to presentation, and whose failed bleb became reformed, and she regained function on the first day post-phacoemulsification, manifesting as a decrease in intraocular pressure. Topical corticosteroids were used for one month postoperatively and the bleb remained functional over more than six months of follow-up. It is most likely that the intraocular pressure elevation that occurs during phacoemulsification was responsible for the reformation of the bleb, even after having been a failed bleb for a whole year.