Intracameral urokinase for dissolution of fibrin or blood clots after glaucoma surgery.

Abstract

To report the use of intracameral urokinase for dissolving fibrin or blood clots after glaucoma surgery. Four eyes of four patients who had undergone glaucoma surgery developed an anterior chamber fibrin or blood clot and increased intraocular pressure. Urokinase was injected into the anterior chamber in each patient to dissolve the clot. In all cases, urokinase injection resulted in reduction of intraocular pressure. No adverse effects of urokinase injection were detected during the short follow-up period. Urokinase may be a safe, inexpensive, and convenient alternative to tissue plasminogen activator for dissolving fibrin or blood clots after glaucoma surgery. Additional studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term safety of intracameral injection.