Objective: To investigate the effects of amniotic membrane on filtering blebs after trabeculectomy.
Methods: Twelve rabbits underwent bilateral trabeculectomies. One eye was randomly sutured preserved human amniotic membrane between the sclera and the scleral flap and the other eye served as the control. The filtering blebs and filtering function were observed at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after the operation. The scar development situation between bleb and episclera was observed under the light microscope.
Results: The blebs in amniotic membrane group were eminence, effuse and had a good filtering function at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week after the operation. The blebs in control group were cicatrized and had a bad filtering function. Histological observation showed no scar development, less fibroblast cell and more inflammatory cells infiltration at the site of trabeculectomy in amniotic membrane group. On the contrary, the control group showed more fibroplasia and fibroblast hyperplasia.
Conclusion: Amniotic membrane can reduce the scar, improve filtering function.