The Use of Anterior Segment Imaging after Trabeculectomy

Evaluation of patients after trabeculectomy can be aided by the use of anterior segment imaging. Two commonly used forms of imaging are ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Both modalities can be used to assess bleb morphology and how it affects treatment outcome, measure anterior chamber biometry, identify the presence of supraciliochoroidal fluid, cyclodialysis clefts and malignant glaucoma, and evaluate treatment modalities after trabeculectomy such as in laser suture lysis and needling. OCT, with its finer resolution, is able to view the bleb wall anatomy in detail and because of its non-contact nature can examine the eye sooner after trabeculectomy. UBM, on the other hand, is superior for the visualization of deeper structures such as the ciliary body and posterior chamber essential to identify malignant glaucoma.