The role of perioperative therapy in the formation of a filtration bleb after glaucoma surgery

Relevance The short-term durability of antiglaucoma surgeries is a pressing issue in glaucoma surgery associated with scarring of the formed pathways for the outflow of intraocular fluid. Correctly prescribed therapy for preparation for surgery and in the postoperative period can prolong the functionality of the artificial outflow zone by improving the condition of the filtration pad [1–3]. Objective To evaluate the effect of perioperative therapy in the form of vasoconstrictor drugs on the condition of the filtration pad in the early postoperative period. Material and methods The study included 30 patients (30 eyes) who underwent non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (NPGS). The main group consisted of 15 eyes that received vasoconstrictor drops twice daily the day before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for five days after surgery. The control group consisted of 15 eyes that did not receive additional therapy. The degree of conjunctival hyperemia was assessed 1 day before surgery, 1 day later, 2 weeks later, and 1 month later. The condition of the filtration pads was assessed at the same time after surgery. Results In the main group, the degree of conjunctival hyperemia after 1 month was less pronounced (15.4 ± 2.7%) than in the control group (18 ± 3.1%). In both groups, an increase in all studied parameters of the filtration pad was recorded during the observation period. The greatest differences between the groups were found on the next day and 2 weeks after surgery [4, 5]. Conclusion Perioperative therapy with vasoconstrictor drugs significantly reduces the degree of conjunctival hyperemia in the filtration pad area in the early postoperative period. Keywords: glaucoma; glaucoma surgery; inflammation; scarring