PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - T Koller
AU  - J Stürmer
AU  - Ch Remé
AU  - B Gloor
TI  - Membrane formation in the chamber angle after failure of argon laser trabeculoplasty: analysis of risk factors
AID  - 10.1136/bjo.84.1.48
DP  - 2000 Jan 01
TA  - British Journal of Ophthalmology
PG  - 48--53
VI  - 84
IP  - 1
4099  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/84/1/48.short
4100  - http://bjo.bmj.com/content/84/1/48.full
SO  - Br J Ophthalmol2000 Jan 01; 84
AB  - AIM Membrane formation in the chamber angle induced by argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) can be a cause of treatment failure. Identification of risk factors for membrane formation was the primary aim of this retrospective study. METHODS Semithin sections of trabeculectomy specimens obtained in a 2 year period were examined by light microscopy. 122 eyes which were treated with one or more ALTs before trabeculectomy were identified. In 46 eyes, a sufficient amount of trabecular meshwork was obtained to permit morphological analysis. RESULTS Eyes treated with ALT had a significantly higher incidence of membrane formation (p=0.001). In 23/46 specimens a cellular and collagenous membrane was observed covering the entire trabecular meshwork. In 14/23 specimens (61%), this membrane was readily visible at low power magnification (×40). Comparison of these eyes with those without membrane formation revealed a significant difference in the number of ALTs (mean 2.07 (SD 0.73) v 1.48 (0.59); p=0.026) and in preoperative IOP (32.0 (9.7) v 26.2 (8.4) mm Hg; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Membrane formation in the chamber angle is a frequent cause of ALT failure. The major risk factor is the number of ALTs performed.