Long-Term Outcomes and Complications of Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Implants in Adults with Glaucoma Secondary to Uveitis

Abstract

ABSTRACTPurpose: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Baerveldt glaucoma implants (BGI) in adults with uveitic glaucoma (UG) at the Manchester Uveitis Clinic.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 42 patients with UG who underwent BGI implantation between 2006 and 2015. Primary outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and number of medications at 5-year follow-up. Three IOP success criteria were chosen: 1.IOP ≤21 mmHg and ≥20% reduction from baseline 2.IOP ≤17 mmHg and ≥20% reduction from baseline and 3.IOP ≤14 mmHg.Results: The mean pre-operative IOP was 29.5 ± 9.5 mmHg on 3.9 antiglaucoma drops. At 5-year follow-up, IOP reduced to 14.4 ± 7.0 mmHg (p < 0.005) on 1.4 drops. The cumulative probability of failure at 5 years based on criteria 1, 2, and 3 was 24.3%, 39.6%, and 56.3%, respectively.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that BGI are safe and effective in refractory UG, especially in younger adults with complex uveitis.