The developing bleb: effect of topical antiprostaglandins on the outcome of glaucoma fistulising surgery.

A prospective trial of topical antiprostaglandins versus placebo in the treatment of postoperative fistulising surgery followed up for 12 months is described. It is concluded that antiprostaglandins have little place in the management of these cases. A photographic record of evolution of the fistulising bleb is described, together with a scoring system devised for the evolution of the successful fistulising bleb. A comparison is made between appearance and function of the fistulising bleb based on the use of the water drinking test and tonography together with intraocular pressure as tests of bleb function. It is concluded that the appearance of the established bleb alone is an insufficient guide to function, particularly if further surgery--for example, cataract extraction--is required.