Blunt needle revision with viscoelastic materials via the anterior chamber for early failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy

PURPOSE: To report a new technique of blunt needle revision with viscoelastic materials via the anterior chamber for the treatment of early failed filtering blebs and elevated intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy, in which digital ocular massage and laser suture lysis have been ineffective. METHODS: A 27-gauge blunt needle attached to a syringe containing viscoelastic material was inserted into the anterior chamber from the inferior paracentesis. The needle tip was inserted into the subscleral flap space from the filtering fistula at the anterior chamber side, and the scleral flap was lifted bluntly. The needle tip was then inserted into the subconjunctival space where the viscoelastic agent was injected and the adhesion between the sclera and conjunctiva was separated bluntly. Blunt needle revision via the anterior chamber was performed 14 times in six eyes of six patients at Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University from January 2007 to May 2009. All procedures were performed within 1 month after trabeculectomy. RESULTS: The intraocular pressure remained 21 mmHg or lower for more than 6 months in three of six eyes. Slight bleeding from the iris occurred in one of the 14 procedures, and hypotony (intraocular pressure below 5 mmHg) occurred in one of the 14 procedures. No serious complications developed. CONCLUSION: Blunt needle revision via the anterior chamber for early failed filtering blebs is a new, simple, and safe procedure.