WVU ophthalmologists recognized for collaboration and innovation in unique glaucoma surgery case
A team of West Virginia University ophthalmologists and researchers was honored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for their innovation and collaboration on a unique surgical case during the organization’s Annual Meeting, AAO 2025, held October 18-20 in Orlando, Florida.
A video presentation of the procedure and a case report detailing the entire treatment process were co-authored by fourth-year medical student Jacob King. Both the video and abstract were selected for AAO’s Best of Show Award, which is given to submissions that receive a perfect score during the review process.
The procedure was led by Kevin Halenda, M.D., an assistant professor and glaucoma specialist for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and WVU Eye Institute.
Dr. Halenda explained that the procedure involved a glaucoma patient who had recently undergone tube shunt surgery, an ophthalmic procedure in which a small tube is placed in the eye to act as a drain and lower the high eye pressure caused by glaucoma. The surgery was initially a success, but a few weeks later, the patient began facing complications due to eroding conjunctival tissue.
“Because of this erosion, there was not enough healthy tissue available to do the repair, leading us to explore alternative methods of treatment,” Halenda explained.
This is where Professor and Oculoplastic Specialist John Nguyen, M.D., came in, as Halenda requested an ophthalmic procedure known as a pedicle conjunctival flap.
“This extensive flap procedure involved us taking a piece of healthy tissue from the area underneath the upper eyelid and rotating it down to cover the damaged area, creating a new, healthy protective covering,” Dr. Nguyen explained.
Nguyen added that this was considered a novel application of a conjunctival flap procedure, as it was modified to include eyelid tissue, specifically the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid, known as the palpebral conjunctiva, and the tissue in the fornix and on the eyeball itself, known as the bulbar conjunctiva. The procedure was a success, and future scarring and adhesion were successfully prevented with the utilization of a thick amniotic membrane in the donor area.
Halenda said he is honored to receive this award and share these findings with the medical community, but that the real reward is being able to help patients in need.
“I am grateful to the American Academy of Ophthalmology for recognizing the hard work that went into treating this unique and challenging case,” he said. “Much more than that, however, I am proud to have played a continued role in helping protect and preserve the vision of our patients. Collaborations with other specialists at the Eye Institute, like mine with Dr. Nguyen, allow us as ophthalmologists to share ideas and provide our patients with the best care possible.”
To learn more about ophthalmology at WVU, visit medicine.wvu.edu/ophthalmology-and-visual-sciences.