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Massage may help reduce IOP after Ahmed glaucoma drainage device surgery
J Glaucoma. 2010;19(1):11-14.
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Digital ocular massage lowered IOP by 20% in some patients during the hypertensive phase after Ahmed glaucoma drainage device surgery, according to a study.
At 1 week to 8 weeks after Ahmed glaucoma drainage device surgery, 18 patients had IOP above the target range and were treated with digital ocular massage. Mean IOP decreased by 8.6 mm Hg immediately after massage, and 1 hour later it was 4.3 mm Hg lower than before the massage.
Of the 18 patients, nine sustained a 20% reduction in IOP at 1 hour. The remaining patients were considered nonresponders and were prescribed glaucoma drops. Eight responding patients who performed self-massage maintained a 20% reduction at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months after massage, although four patients were using glaucoma drops by the 6-month visit to achieve target IOP.
According to the study authors, ocular massage during the hypertensive phase of Ahmed glaucoma drainage device surgery is an effective technique to force the aqueous fluid from the eye, which may clear inflammatory material and fibrin from the tube, valve and plate area.
No massage-related complications were reported in this study, although the authors cited the need for further investigation and longer follow-up to determine the long-term benefits for bleb morphology.
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