Comparison of the Intrableb Characteristics of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Trabeculectomy according to Amniotic Membrane Transplantation

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of filtering bleb with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) according to amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> One hundred and sixteen eyes of 103 glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy with (AMT group; 85 eyes) or without AMT (control group; 31 eyes) were included. Intrableb parameters were evaluated with AS-OCT. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤18 mm Hg and IOP reduction ≥20% without medication at the time of AS-OCT examination. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with IOP control. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In the eyes with successful IOP control, the fluid-filled space area, score, and height were greater for the AMT group than the control group (all <i>p</i>s < 0.001), while stripping layer thickness was greater and bleb wall reflectivity was lower for the control group than the AMT group (all <i>p</i>s < 0.001). Surgical success in the AMT group was associated with greater fluid-filled space score, lower bleb wall reflectivity, and microcyst formation (odds ratio [OR] = 8.016, 0.913, and 16.202, respectively, all <i>p</i>s ≤ 0.041). Lower bleb wall reflectivity alone was associated with surgical success in the control group (OR = 0.815, <i>p</i> = 0.019). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The extent of the fluid-filled space was associated with successful IOP control after trabeculectomy with AMT. Hyporeflective bleb wall was associated with successful IOP control in AMT and control groups.