A Novel Sclerectomy Technique for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension Treatment

Abstract

Purpose: To introduce and evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new surgical scleral technique for treatment of glaucoma based on the concept of scleral biomechanics. Methods: Twelve 3-month-old New Zealand white rabbit eyes were operated under general anesthesia. Single large rectangular full thickness sclerectomy (3 mm limbal x 5 mm) exposing the choroid was performed in each eye. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively, one day, one week and one month postoperatively. Results: Twelve eyes of 6 New Zealand white rabbits were operated with sector sclerectomy technique. The mean (±SD) intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly reduced from a preoperative value of 6.0 (±0.0) mmHg to 2.0 (±0.0) mmHg (p = 0.003) in the post-operative assessment. The IOP was quite stable in the following one week and one month follow up assessments at 2.0 (±0.0) mmHg (p = 0.998). Eight out of 12 (66.7%) operated eyes had no postoperative complications. Four (33.3%) eyes faced different complications where: one (8.3%) had corneal perforation by traction suture, 3 (25%) had vitreous loss (one mild and two severe), while one of them (8.3%) had bleeding. Conclusion: Full thickness sector sclerectomy can change the scleral biomechanical behavior leading to highly significant intraocular pressure reduction.