Bleb Needling in Encapsulated Filtering Blebs: Evaluation by Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) in describing the morphology and outcome of encapsulated filtering blebs after bleb needling. Procedures: Prospective assessment of 9 patients – before, 2 days and 6 months after filtering bleb needling with 5-FU – using slit-lamp examination, Goldmann tonometry and OCT. Results: Before the needling, the average internal height of the cyst was 1.3 ± 0.8 mm. Two days after the needling procedure, the cyst collapsed in 5 patients. After 6 months, the average internal cyst height was 0.7 ± 0.4 mm. All patients with a collapsed cyst at day 2 after needling had controlled regulated IOP without glaucoma medication. Conclusions: The preoperative internal height of the cyst does not correlate with the outcome of the needling. A collapsed cyst at day 2 after needling is an indicator of controlled intraocular pressure, whereas a prominent cyst after 6 months indicates poor function.