Effect of implantation of glaucoma drainage device for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma at high altitude district

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of implantation of Express glaucoma drainage device under sclera flap for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma at high altitude district. Methods Twenty eyes of 20 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in Qinghai region were given implantation of Express glaucoma drainage device under sclera flap. The intraocular pressure, success rate, filtering bleb, complications and postoperative application of antiglaucomatous agents at postoperative 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months were observed. And the data were given statistical analysis. Results Intraocular pressure of 17 eyes was controlled in normal range during 6 months follow-up. One eye appeared iris obstruction at the opening of drainage tube, but the intraocular pressure was recovered to normal after removal of iris obstruction. Two eyes needed one or more local antiglaucomatous agents.Intraocular pressure could be controlled in normal range, with the average of (13.46±2.86) mmHg. And the total success rate of surgery was 85.00%. Compared to preoperative intraocular pressure, there were statistically significant differences in IOP at each postoperative time point (P<0.05). And the intraocular pressure at each postoperative time point was lower than preoperative one. At postoperative 1day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, there were 18 eyes with functional filtering bleb while 2 eyes without functional filtering bleb. No case appeared intraoperative hyphema.Three eyes appeared temporary increase of intraocular pressure at postoperative 7 days.Three eyes (15.00%) appeared shallow anterior chamber, of which 1 eye was accompanied by ocular hypotony. No case appeared ciliary block glaucoma. Conclusion Implantation of Express glaucoma drainage device under sclera flap is safe and effective for glaucoma with simple operation, less trauma, fewer complications and less pain. Key words: Glaucoma, open-angle, primary; Drainage device, glaucoma, Ex-press; High altitudes