Use of Amniotic Membrane in Trabeculectomy for the Treatment of Glaucoma – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: to compare the safety and efficacy of human preserved amniotic membrane (AM) in the trabeculectomy for treatment of primary open angle glaucoma. Method: A prospective, randomized clinical trial compared primary trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane (study group) and without amniotic membrane (control group) in the treatment of the glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medication and appearance of the bleb were compared between the two groups. Patients were followed for a period of 12 months. Results: The difference of the mean postoperative IOP between groups was not statistical significant (15.19 ± 3.33 in the control group and 12.81 ± 2.48 in the study group P=0.297) at one year follow up. Postoperative number of medication decrease in both groups (P<0.001and P=0.007, study group and control respectivaly). At the end of 12–month follow–up period, nine eyes (56.25%) showed thin, avascular blebs in the study group as compared to only one eye (6.25%) in the control group. Conclusions: Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane and standard trabeculectomy promote lower postoperative IOP although results showed no statistical significant difference between groups in postoperative after one year follow–up.

Keywords: intraocular pressure • wound healing • cell membrane/membrane specializations