AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of needle revision combined with subconjunctival injection of 5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)for the treatment of early non-functioning blebs after Ex-PRESS glaucoma drainage device implantation.

METHODS:The medical records of 18 cases(23 eyes)with non-functional blebs within postoperative 3mo treated with needle revision combined with subconjunctival injection of 5-FU after Ex-PRESS glaucoma drainage device implantation in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were followed up for at least 6mo.The IOP, the changes of filtering blebs morphology before and after treatments and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS:The IOP before and immediately, 1, 3, 6mo after treatments were 24.13±2.94, 15.13±4.93, 14.98±5.12, 15.18±3.77 and 15.54±5.07mmHg(1mmHg=0.133kPa)respectively. The IOP at every time point after treatments was significantly decreased compared with that before treatments(all P<0.05). The formation rate of functional filter bleb and the total success rate were both 83% at 6mo after treatments. The treatment was failed in 4 eyes(18%). The most common complications were filter bleb subconjunctival hemorrhage and corneal epthelium damage. There were no other severe complications during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION:It is safe, convenient and effective to treat early non-functional blebs after Ex-PRESS glaucoma drainage device implantation by needle revision combined with subconjunctival injection of 5-FU around the filtering bleb.