An ultrasound biomicroscopy study of filtering blebs after deep sclerectomy with a new acrylic implant.

PURPOSE: To identify the clinical and anatomic characteristics of filtering blebs after nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) using ultrasound biomicroscopy, and to evaluate its influence on intraocular pressure (IOP) control. METHODS: We conducted a prospective interventional case series in 18 eyes of 18 patients who had undergone nonpenetrating deep sclerectomy with Esnoper® implant. A complete ophthalmic examination and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) exploration were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure significantly decreased from a mean of 23.5 mmHg (SD 3.5) preoperatively to a mean of 13.1 mmHg (SD 7.6), 13.2 mmHg (SD 4.3), and 13.3 mmHg (SD 3) at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. At 6 months, lower IOP levels significantly correlated with hyporeflective blebs (r=-0.82, p=0.000), with the presence of hyporeflective suprachoroidal space (r=-0.67, p=0.003) and with the presence of hyporeflective area around the scleral lake (r=-0.55, p=0.02). The presence of these 3 filtration signs together correlated with lower IOP levels compared with the presence of only 1 or 2 (p=0.000, p=0.004, p=0.0005) at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. A thinner trabeculo-descemetic membrane (TDM) was significantly correlated with lower postoperative IOP value at the first postoperative month (r=0.45, p=0.05). Intraocular pressure mean values and UBM characteristics were not significantly different between eyes with single NPDS and eyes following combined NPDS-phacoemulsification. At 6 months, eyes without goniopuncture had lower IOP values (p=0.02), higher bleb (p=0.015), and thinner TDM (p=0.01) than those needing goniopuncture. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound biomicroscopy is a useful method to evaluate outflow mechanisms after NPDS and their correlation with postoperative IOP control.

Predictive factors of surgical outcome in oculomotor nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes and predictive factors of surgical treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy. METHODS: Records of patients requiring eye muscle surgery for oculomotor nerve palsy in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, etiology, deviation, completeness of involvement, time between onset and surgery, botulinum toxin treatment, and number of surgical procedures were recorded as potential predictive factors. Muscle function, presence of diplopia, and torticollis were also recorded. The main outcome measure was motor function. Secondary outcome measures were presence of diplopia, torticollis, and limitation of muscle function. RESULTS: Surgery was required in 22 patients, of whom motor success was obtained in 14 (63.6%). Frequency of diplopia and torticollis were significantly reduced by surgery. After multivariate regression analysis, longer time between onset and surgery (p = 0.03) and larger initial deviation (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with poorer postsurgical results in terms of motor function. CONCLUSIONS: Longer time from onset to surgery and larger eye deviation are negative prognostic factors of postsurgical motor success for oculomotor nerve palsy.