Changes in visual acuity and intra-ocular pressure following bleb-related infection: the Japan Glaucoma Society Survey of Bleb-related Infection Report 2.

PURPOSE

To identify changes in visual acuity and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) 12 months after the development of bleb-related infection.

METHODS

Data obtained from 146 eyes of 146 patients with bleb-related infection were analyzed as a part of the Japan Glaucoma Society Survey of Bleb-related Infection. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with poor prognosis in visual acuity and increased IOP and for being stage III.

RESULTS

The logMAR increased by a mean of 0.140, 0.440, 1.099 and 1.122 at 12 months postinfection for stage I, II, IIIa and IIIb infections, respectively. The logMAR was significantly worse at 6 and 12 months postinfection in stage IIIb (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively; Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and at 6 months postinfection in stage IIIa (p = 0.036). The IOP was significantly elevated following infection in both stage IIIa and stage IIIb (p = 0.028 and p = 0.008 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, for stage IIIa; p = 0.002 and p = 0.005 for stage IIIb). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that being stage III and positive culture were significant risk factors for poor outcome for visual acuity (Odds ratio: 9.26 and 6.29, respectively) and that being stage III was a prognostic factor for increased IOP (Odds ratio: 8.33). Pseudophakia or aphakia was significantly associated with stage III and stage IIIb infections (Odds ratio: 2.85 and 6.30).

CONCLUSIONS

Stage III bleb-related infection causes significant visual loss and IOP elevation within 12 months after development. Therefore, preventative measures should be taken, especially in cases that are pseudophakic or aphakic.