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Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:412-413.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

LATE-ONSET BLEB leaks, commonly seen after glaucoma filtration surgery, have been clearly associated with an increased risk of developing an infected bleb.¹ This fact, among others, has prompted a serious, fundamental reconsideration of our surgical approach and philosophy regarding the management of patients with glaucoma. There are numerous early and late bleb-related problems requiring attention.² In contrast to a whirlwind of advances in cataract and refractive surgery, filtering surgery remains a relatively primitive operation for diverting aqueous into the subconjunctival space. It has been performed for more than 100 years with minor modifications: conversion to guarded filtration, incorporation of antimetabolites, and postoperative flap suture release (either laser suture lysis or the cutting of externalized sutures). Determinants of bleb morphology and continual structural evolution remain poorly understood. Correspondingly, we enjoy only rudimentary control over long-term bleb integrity and function. Soltau et al¹ have reminded us of the persistent risks accompanying the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

WHAT IS THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOME OF A LEAKING BLEB?


WHAT PREDISPOSES BLEBS TO LEAK YEARS AFTER SURGERY?

HOW ARE LEAKING BLEBS BEST MANAGED?

WHY IS THERE AMBIVALENCE TOWARD PERFORMING FILTRATION SURGERY?

WHAT IS THE IDEAL GLAUCOMA OPERATION?

CONCLUSIONS
L. Jay Katz, MD
Philadelphia, Pa

RELATED ARTICLE

Risk Factors for Glaucoma Filtering Bleb Infections
Joern B. Soltau, Robert F. Rothman, Donald L. Budenz, David S. Greenfield, William Feuer, Jeffrey M. Liebmann, and Robert Ritch
Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118(3):338-342.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT