Reverse meridional cyclodialysis ab interno with implantation of a metallic implant in patients with glaucoma of different etiology

Abstract

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of reverse meridional cyclodialysis (RMC) ab interno with implantation of a metallic implant into the supraciliary space for decreasing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. RMC was performed ab interno in 51 patients, among which 30 patients had a metallic implant inserted into the supraciliary space (implant group). Twenty-one patients who underwent RMC ab interno without implant comprised the control group. The outcomes were evaluated after 12 months. RMC was performed through a clear corneal incision using a special spatula at 4-5 o'clock reaching 5-6 mm deep, width of the cleft was 11-12o of the iridocorneal angle. The evaluation criteria included adverse events, postoperative IOP changes, need for hypotensive medications and repeat surgery. The results were analyzed using variational statistics. Baseline mean IOP was 28.8±4.7 mmHg and 30.2±7.2 mmHg in implant and control groups, respectively, and at 12 months it decreased by 28.7±12.0% and 29.1±17.1%. Baseline mean medication usage was 2.7±0.8 and 2.6±0.9 in respective groups, at 12 months it decreased to 1.1±0.9 and 0.8±0.9. In the implant group, overall success was achieved in 93.3% of cases (complete success - 33.3%, partial success - 60.0%), while in the control group it was 66.7% (complete success - 28.6%, partial success - 38.1%) (p=0.03). In terms of IOP decrease, medication usage and adverse events the difference between the groups was statistically insignificant. Repeat surgery was required 5 times more frequently in the control group (33.3% vs 6.7%, p=3E-05). Implantation of a metallic implant into the supraciliary space to keep the cyclodialysis cleft open is safe and effective and substantially decreases the need for repeat surgery.