Ocular surface disease in posttrabeculectomy/mitomycin C patients

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to describe the demographics, risk factors, clinical signs, severity, and outcome of ocular surface disease (OSD) in 12 patients who had undergone trabeculectomy augmented with mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS: Twelve glaucoma patients were referred to the Dry Eye Clinic (Singapore National Eye Centre) for further management of clinically significant OSD. RESULTS: Of the 15 eyes from 12 patients, 14 were treated with MMC and one with 5-fluorouracil. Mean age was 69.3±10.6 years and two-thirds were male. The median interval before onset of dry eye symptoms after surgery was 13.5 months. Mean tear breakup time (TBUT) was 5.32 seconds and mean Schirmer score was 6.14 mm/5 min. Possible major risk factors for OSD in the cases include limbal stem cell deficiency occurring from exposure to antimetabolites, chronic use of antiglaucoma medications prior to surgery, and the preoperative status of the ocular surface prior to disease onset. Treatment of OSD resulted in improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in 50% of the patients, with a median gain of two-line improvement in BCVA. CONCLUSION: OSD is a clinical problem often overlooked in patients who undergo antimetabolite-augmented filtration surgery. Recognition of the condition and appropriate treatment can improve patient symptoms and reduce health-care burdens on the economy.