Primary outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants with a modified technique to control intraocular pressure in different cases of glaucoma.

Abstract

To describe the outcomes of Baerveldt glaucoma implants implanted via a modified technique with regard to early intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in cases of uncontrolled glaucoma. The medical records of patients who had Baerveldt glaucoma implants of 350 or 250mm2 implanted via a modified technique and were followed up for a period of at least 6months were reviewed. The primary outcome measures were the mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications at each visit. We evaluated complete success rates at 1day, 1week and 1month, defined as IOP values [Formula: see text] 5mmHg and ≤ 21mmHg prior to ligature rupture. A total of 42 eyes had Baerveldt glaucoma implants and met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.2 ± 11.2mmHg. The postoperative mean IOP values were 15.1mmHg ± 8.8 (p < 0.05), 17.7 ± 7.1mmHg (p < 0.05), 12.3 ± 4.0mm Hg (p < 0.05) at 1day, 1month, and 6months, respectively. The rate of complete success on the first day was 78%, at the first month was 69%, and at 6months was 95.2%. The number of glaucoma medications used was significantly lower at 6months (P = < 0.001). The modified surgical technique using Baerveldt implants enables a safe, effective, and reliable IOP control in early postoperative patients with uncontrolled glaucomas.