Purpose: To determine if using human cadaveric fascia lata grafts to cover glaucoma implant tubes is safe and effective.
Methods: All patients who underwent glaucoma implant surgery at the Doheny Eye Institute between July 1993 and September 1993 received a fascia lata patch graft to cover the subconjunctival portion of the tube. These patients were followed prospectively for clinical signs of conjunctival breakdown, graft melt, tube erosion, graft-related inflammation, infection, and graft-related complications.
Results: Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients were followed for a mean of 19 months. All eyes tolerated the fascia lata grafts well without clinical evidence of graft-related conjunctival, scleral, or intraocular inflammation. No tube erosion or melting of the graft was observed in the study group.
Conclusion: Preserved donor fascia lata was well tolerated as a grafting material in glaucoma implant surgery. No clinical signs of graft rejection, foreign body reaction, tube erosion, or graft melt were observed in the study group during the follow-up period.