[Risk factors for visual outcome after bleb-related infection].

PURPOSE: To investigate risk factors for visual impairment following bleb-related infection after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 31 cases of bleb-related infection at Osaka Koseinenkin hospital from 2004 to 2007.

RESULTS

Twelve cases of blebitis and 19 cases of bleb-related endophthalmitis were studied. According to the stage of infection, each patient was continued to be treated following a previously decided treatment strategy. Fifteen patients underwent pars plana vitrctomy. Two patients with blebitis progressed to endopthalmitis. Visual acuity in seven eyes (22.6%) decreased by two or more lines following infection. Risk factors for visual impairments following bleb-related infections were recurrence of infection (p = 0.022), negative Seidel tests (p = 0.0056), aphakia (p = 0.045), avitreous (p = 0.00070), positive Streptococcus species (p = 0.029), and prolonged inflammation (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence of infection, negative Seidel tests, aphakia and avitreous are risk factors for visual impairment following bleb-related infection after trabeculectomy.