Retrobulbar hemodynamics and corneal surface temperature in glaucoma surgery

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of glaucoma surgery on retrobulbar hemodynamics and corneal surface temperature (CST). Methods A total of 22 primary open-angle glaucoma eyes underwent deep sclerectomy, and 19 trabeculectomy. The follow-up was of 3 months. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index (RI) were evaluated in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) by color Doppler imaging (CDI). CST was measured using infrared thermography. Results At 3 months, EDV was increased in OA (P\0.001 in deep sclerectomy, P = 0.005 in trabeculectomy), CRA (P = 0.044 and P \0.001), and SPCAs (P = 0.011 and P = 0.003), and RI decreased in OA, CRA, and SPCAs (P\0.001 in both groups). CST values were augmented (P\0.001 in both groups). A negative correlation between the postoperative changes in RI-OA and CST was found (P = 0.023 and P = 0.032, respectively). Conclusions Deep sclerectomy and trabeculectomy seem to be equally effective in improving retrobulbar hemodynamics. Color Doppler imaging and infrared thermography might be useful to evaluate the vascular outcome of glaucoma surgery.