Glaucoma Shell Tamponade for The Flat Anterior Chamber Following Trabeculectomy

Ahn, Joong Bin; Kim, Yong Yeon; Jung, Hai Ryun

Abstract

Usual managements of flat anterior chamber following filtering surgery are deepening of anterior chamber using cycloplegics and mydriatics, and pressure patch technique compressing the fistula. But the pressure patch technique may worsen chamber depth problem because exact compression on the filtering area is difficult by pressure patching. Prolonged pressure patching may also cause deterioration of filtering function. The tampon with glaucoma shell provides enough resistance to excessive outflow, allows the anterior chamber to reform promptly, and can prevent choroidal separation. We treated the flat anterior chamber following trabeculectomy using glaucoma shell in 7 eyes. The anterior chamber in each eye was restored promptly within 2-4 days after the placement of glaucoma shell. Glaucoma shell is easy to handle, gives minimal discomfort to patient, and may need less time to restore flat anterior chamber than pressure patching.