Ab Interno Gel Implant-associated Bleb-related Infection.

PURPOSE

To examine the presentation and management of 3 cases of bleb-related infection following ab interno gel implant surgery, so as to add to the growing understanding of complications associated with the emerging landscape of newer, minimally invasive glaucoma surgical procedures, and how they are best managed.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of bleb-related infection following ab interno gel implant surgery from 2 university-affiliated hospitals were included. Risk factors, visual outcomes, intraocular pressure, and subsequent management were analyzed.

RESULTS

We report 3 cases of late bleb-related infection occurring after ab interno gelatin stent insertion (8, 7, and 24 months after surgery). One case had blebitis only; the other 2 had bleb-related endophthalmitis. All cases responded rapidly to management of their infections according to standard bleb-related infection protocol, recovering to within 2 lines of their previous visual acuity (6/9, 6/12, and 6/18). Explantation of the devices was not required.

CONCLUSIONS

Bleb-related infections after ab interno gel implant insertion can occur. If infection is treated appropriately, good clinical outcomes are possible.