AIM: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of nerve growth factor(NGF)on acute angle-closure glaucoma patients after trabeculetomy.

METHODS: Patients with viral keratitis who underwent trabeculectomy in treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma in Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University from December 2011 to October 2013 were selected and completed the treatment, 61 eyes of 45 cases were followed up. The treatment group of 23 cases(32 eyes)with acute angle-closure glaucoma patients were treated by NGF gel for 3mo after trabeculetomy, while in the control group 22 cases(29 eyes)were treated by normal saline replaced NGF. All patients were followed up for at least 12mo, visual acuity, perimetry, retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness and cup/disc ratio of the patients were followed up during the treatment. The safety of topical use of NGF gel was also evaluated.

RESULTS:In all patients, the intraocular pressure(IOP)was successfully controlled under 21mmHg and the visual acuity was markedly increased in the affected eye after trabeculectomy. Compared with control group, the postoperative IOP and visual acuity had no significant differences in treatment group(P>0.05). The average light sensitivity of perimetry and mean defect were better than that in control group postoperative 6 and 12mo; The results of optical coherent tomography(OCT)and Heiderburg Retina Tomography(HRT)-Ⅲ showed that RNFL thickness was significantly greater than that in control group, while cup/disc ratio significantly less than that in control group postoperative 6 and 12mo. Ocular surface damage, corneal endothelium to reduce and other eye complication were no observed in treatment group.

CONCLUSION:Acute angle-closure glaucoma treated by NGF gel after operation is effective and safe.