Biomechanical Changes After Trabeculectomy

Corneal Biomechanical Changes Following Trabeculectomy

Corneal biomechanics are studied in glaucoma patients prior and at least 6 month after trabeculectomy.

Prior to trabeculectomy corneal biomechanics are measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Reichert) and the Corvis st (Oculus). Both instruments work with an air-puff which deforms the cornea. Intraocular pressure is measured like in non-contact air-puff tonometry. The ORA also measures corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) which are qualitative measures of corneal biomechanics. The Corvis is a high-speed Scheimpflug-camera (4330 frames/sec) that records the quantitative movements of the cornea. At least 6 month after uncomplicated trabeculectomy the measurements are repeated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Glaucoma patients in need of further IOP-reduction despite maximally tolerated therapy and assigned for trabeculectomy. Minimum of 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Corneal pathologies.