Karim F. Tomey

Clinical experience with the Molteno implant in advanced infantile glaucoma.

The alternatives in the management of infantile glaucoma refractory to conventional treatment are quite limited and unrewarding. We did a retrospective study of 49 patients (53 eyes) under 12 years of age with advanced, uncontrolled glaucoma who each underwent implantation of a single-plate Molteno implant in one stage. Over the follow-up period ranging from 6 months to 3 years (mean 18 months), 36 of the 53 eyes (68%) had an intraocular pressure less than or equal to 21 mm Hg and were considered a success. Fourteen eyes (26%) required further glaucoma surgery, 2 eyes developed severe chronic hypotony, and 1 eye lost light perception following endophthalmitis. The number of anti-glaucoma medications was decreased from a mean of 2 (+/- 1) to 1 (+/- 1). The probability for success of the Molteno implant in controlling glaucoma increased with the age of the patient. Six eyes (11%) were late failures, most probably due to fibrous encapsulation of the bleb. Complications observed were: prolonged hypotony and flat anterior chamber, retinal detachment, migration of the tube, erosion of the tube through the conjunctiva, and an ingrowth of fibrous tissue in the anterior chamber. We consider the Molteno implant to be a reasonable option in the management of difficult cases of infantile glaucoma.

Limbal- vs Fornix-Based Conjunctival Trabeculectomy Flaps

We studied 20 patients with uncontrolled symmetric glaucoma who had undergone bilateral trabeculectomy after having received the same medical or laser treatment to both eyes. In each patient, the techniques and suture material used in the two eyes were identical, and the surgeon was the same. The only variable was the type of conjunctival flap used: one eye received a limbal-based flap and the other a fornix-based flap. These patients were followed up from three to 13 months (median, 8.5 months). There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure control, occurrence of hyphema, size and shape of the bleb, or the rate of complications. The fornix- and limbal-based conjunctival flaps in trabeculectomy were found to yield comparable results in terms of safety and short-term efficacy of pressure control.

The glaucomas in aphakia and pseudophakia

Intraocular pressure may become temporarily or permanently elevated at various intervals following cataract surgery. There are several mechanisms by which glaucoma develops as a complication of the cataract extraction itself. The presence of a pseudophakos may or may not contribute to the pathogenesis. Important diagnostic clues include the anterior chamber depth, the presence or absence of an iridectomy, gonioscopic findings, and the appearance of the optic nerve head. Life-long medical treatment is frequently justified, as alternative laser or surgical modalities may not be successful. The exact causes for high failure of filtration surgery in aphakic eyes is not clearly understood; scarring of the conjunctiva, the vitreous, and altered characteristics of the aqueous humor have all been incriminated. Current research to improve surgical success includes the development of effective artificial drainage implants or the use of pharmacologic modulators of wound healing, which promote filtration by preventing scar formation.

Neodymium-YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy for the Treatment of Aphakic and Pseudophakic Pupillary Block

We examined five patients who developed pupillary block after extracapsular cataract extraction. One of the patients also had a posterior chamber intraocular lens implanted at the time of cataract operation. In all five patients, pupillary block was promptly relieved by Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

The glaucomas in pseudophakia.

The glaucomas in pseudophakia are not uncommon. Because they can be related to different mechanisms, each case should be evaluated individually. Once glaucoma has been established and medication fails to maintain the intraocular pressure at a safe level, several options are available. As a group, the glaucomas are considered both difficult to manage with medications and also at high risk for failure of filtration surgery. Trabeculectomy adjuvated with anti-metabolites, draining implants, and cyclodestructive procedures are all effective procedures. Although complications and loss of vision as a consequence of glaucoma surgery are not frequent, they were reported by several authors. The likelihood of any given treatment to preserve the quality of life should be discussed with each patient and should be part of the decision-making process. This article reviews studies on the glaucomas in pseudophakia published from October 1994 to September 1995.

The Use of A Cautery For Trimming Exposed Nylon Sutures

Ophthalmic nylon sutures (9-0 or 10-0) that become exposed postoperatively are irritating to the patient, especially if the knots are not buried, or if the sutures are not well covered by (or protrude through) the conjunctiva. Obviously, these sutures cannot be removed safely less than six to eight weeks after surgery. The symptoms may even be aggravated by trimming the suture ends, as these become more stiff and pointed when shortened. Moreover, trimming sutures can be a difficult task in some uncooperative patients.

An Easy-to-Make Disposable Irrigation-Aspiration Cannula

We have developed a coaxial irrigation-aspiration cannula constructed from ordinary intravenous needles. The cannula is disposable but can also be used repeatedly after gas sterilization. It is ideal for general ophthalmologists who perform lens aspiration infrequently or who do not have access to or experience with automated technology.

A New Method for Fixation of the Eyelid During Tarsorrhaphy

I have found the Reese muscle forceps to be the ideal instrument for holding and steadying the eyelid margin during tarsorrhaphy. Not only does it provide a firm grip, but it also prevents bleeding and retracts the eyelashes.