Glaucoma Drainage Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of the PreserFlo implant with mitomycin C in childhood glaucoma after previous failed glaucoma surgeries.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PreserFlo MicroShunt (Santen, Osaka, Japan) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in childhood glaucoma patients with previous failed glaucoma surgeries. This is a prospective case review of consecutive PreserFlo procedures performed in childhood glaucoma patients after failed surgeries. Age, sex, diagnosis, and previous glaucoma surgeries, as well as visual acuity, IOP, and treatment in the preoperative visit and all follow-up visits were collected. Outcome measures included IOP reduction from baseline, mean IOP change from baseline at month 6, medication use at 6months, complications, adverse events, and need for further procedures. Fourteen patients were included, 8 (57%) males and 6 (43%) females; the mean age was 27.5 ± 13.5years. Nine patients (64%) had at least two trabeculectomies, and 6 patients (43%) had at least one trabeculectomy and a glaucoma drainage implant. The mean IOP change from baseline was 11.3 ± 4.9mmHg at 12months. At 12months, 12 patients (86%) presented ≥ 20% IOP lowering from baseline, and 11 patients (79%) presented ≥ 30%. The mean medication count decreased from 3.9 ± 0.7 (baseline) to 0.7 ± 1.3 (12months). No intraoperative complications were reported. No adverse events were noted. No secondary filtration surgery was required, although bleb needling was required in one case, 1month after the surgery. PreserFlo with MMC can be used successfully to treat uncontrolled IOP in childhood glaucoma cases with previous failed surgeries. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to further explore the role of the device in resistant childhood glaucoma cases.

Corneal integrity in ahmed valve implantation: pars plana vs ciliary sulcus vs anterior chamber

Complex and refractory glaucoma cases, non-responsive to maximal management, require surgical intervention. The Ahmed Valve, a Glaucoma Drainage Device, is widely used in these scenarios. It may be implanted into the anterior chamber, ciliary sulcus and pars plana. However, there is no general consensus in the literature on which location is best when corneal protection is considered. This paper aimed to review all these studies, including ours, to determine which may be best, while still not compromising on valve efficacy in intraocular pressure reduction.

TUBE VERSUS TRABECULECTOMY IN JUVENILE-ONSET OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA - TREATMENT OUTCOMES IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN MALAYSIA.

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and postoperative complications between primary augmented trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation as primary surgical intervention in patients with juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma (JOAG). A retrospective review study involving 20 eyes that underwent primary augmented trabeculectomy with mitomycin (MMC) and 10 eyes GDD implantation in 3 tertiary centres in Malaysia between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019. They were followed up for at least 12 months postsurgical intervention. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of topical IOP lowering medication and complications were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-intervention. Based on the IOP, the success was divided into complete and partial success, and failure. IOP and postsurgical complications were compared using the Repetitive Measure Analysis of Variance (RM ANOVA) and the Pearson chi-square test. Both methods were effective in lowering the IOP. Eyes with primary augmented trabeculectomy have significant lower IOP compared to GDD implantation (p = 0.037). There was a higher incidence of postoperative hypotony (30%) in the trabeculectomy group. There was also a significant reduction of mean number of topical pressure-lowering drugs required postoperatively (p = 0.015). Complete success was achieved in 100% of eyes with trabeculectomy and 67% in GDD implantation (p = 0.047). Primary augmented trabeculectomy and GDD implantation are good surgical options for the treatment of JOAG. Both methods provide IOP lowering at 1 year. However, trabeculectomy provides better pressure lowering, compared to GDD implantation in patients with JOAG.

Implantation of a novel glaucoma drainage with a small lumen silicone tube in rabbits: A pilot study

AbstractPurpose: To assess surgical safety and expert usability of a novel glaucoma drainage implant with a smaller lumen compared to conventional silicone tubes.Methods: The newly constructed devices have been implanted via a specially designed injector system in 4 eyes of 4 New Zealand White rabbits, and their intraocular pressure was measured on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 postoperatively. The histopathologic evaluation was done after the 1 month‐follow up period using H&E staining and Masson‐trichrome staining. For the implantation, a limbal incision without mitomycin‐C (MMC) was performed in one eye, and a fornix incision with MMC was performed in three eyes.Results: The histologic sections showed well‐tolerated tissue response in all 4 eyes. All eyes showed filtering blebs on day 28 except one eye that had a buttonhole during the implantation. IOPs were better controlled in the 2 eyes done fornix incision with MMC plus without the buttonhole than other 2 eyes (6 mmHg vs 12.5 mmHg at day 28). The device was highly visible during the procedure of operation and had the flexibility to fit the surgeon's various procedures.Conclusions: The novel glaucoma drainage implant was effective and flexible to fulfil the surgeon's need in a pilot study with rabbits.

Femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification combined with Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation in the treatment of cataract complicated with refractory glaucoma

Femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification combined with Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation in the treatment of cataract complicated with refractory glaucoma

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation combined with anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma drainage valve implantation combined with anti-VEGF drugs in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma

Surgical Outcomes of Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation in Refractory Glaucoma Patients in Thailand.

To study the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation in refractory glaucoma patients. Retrospective chart review of glaucoma patients undergoing GDD implantation, Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV), Baerveldt glaucoma implants (BGI), and Aurolab aqueous drainage implantation (AADI) from January 2012 to June 2021. Glaucoma patients were classified into two groups: primary glaucoma including: primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) and secondary glaucoma including: neovascular glaucoma (NVG), ocular surgery (vitreoretinal surgery, scleral buckling procedure, postoperative extra capsular cataract extraction, scleral fixation intraocular lens, penetrating keratoplasty), intraocular trauma, uveitis glaucoma, lens-induced glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG), iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndromes and Axenfeld Rieger Syndrome. Surgical outcomes were studied. Primary glaucoma included 57 eyes from 49 patients. Secondary glaucoma included 87 eyes from 85 patients. The cumulative probability of complete or qualified success of refractory glaucoma patients at five years were 53.4% (95%CI: 38.4%, 66.3%). Higher success rate was discovered in primary glaucoma at 65.8% (95%CI: 38.4%, 83.3%) than 45.2% (95%CI: 26.9%, 61.9%) in secondary glaucoma group significantly with p=0.003. While the results among success rate, adverse events and complications was not different between types of GDD. Predictors for failure were neovascular glaucoma with unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.62 (95%CI: 1.45, 9.04) with p=0.006, and lens-induced glaucoma with adjusted HR 4.19 (95%CI: 1.10, 15.86) with p=0.035 in multivariable analysis. Tube malposition and occlusion were the most frequent adverse events at 11.11%, corneal decompensation at 5.5%, hypotony at 2% in the nonvalved group, and endophthalmitis at 0.69%. Surgical success in refractory primary glaucoma was superior to secondary glaucoma with no difference between nonvalved and valved GDD implantation. Lens-induced glaucoma was a strong predictor for failure in GDD implantation.

Periosteal graft and conjunctival pedicle flap for re‐exposed glaucoma drainage device tube

AbstractPurpose: To report the management of exposed glaucoma drainage device (GDD) tube using periosteal graft.Methods: A case report of patient from ophthalmology outpatient clinic in Dr. Saiful Anwar general Hospital.Results: A 26‐year‐old male with history of steroid induced glaucoma came to ophthalmology clinic. Patient already underwent several procedures to control his intraocular pressure (IOP), including trabeculectomy and implantation of GDD. Implantation of GDD is widely used to control IOP in glaucoma patients. One month after implantation, patient experienced exposed GDD tube. Exposed GDD tube is one of the most common complications. The incidence is about 12% and tend to happen in eyes that already underwent many surgeries previously. This condition needs a further operative procedure such as adding patch graft on exposed area, in this case patient underwent conjunctival and pericardial graft. One month after additional patch graft procedure, patient felt uncomfortable sensation and redness on his right eye, even though IOP was 12 mmHg. During anterior segment examination, tube expose was found again. Patient underwent periosteal graft from his right tibial bone and conjunctival pedicle flap. After 2 months of evaluation, the graft is attached and IOP controlled at 14 mmHg.Conclusions: Periosteal graft and conjunctival pedicle flap could be one of the appropriate choices to cover re‐exposed GDD tube.

Quality of life in glaucoma patients: Comparison of medical therapy, trabeculectomy, and glaucoma drainage device surgery.

To compare the quality of life (QoL) in patients with glaucoma on medical therapy and after trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) using vision, glaucoma, and surgery-specific questionnaires. This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 patients of moderate to severe glaucoma, each in medical, trabeculectomy, and GDD groups. National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEIVFQ-25), Glaucoma Quality of Life (GQL-15), and Surgery Specific Questionnaire (SSQ) were administered, and cumulative scores were compared. The mean age of the participants was 58.95 ± 13.6 years with a male preponderance (73.3%, n = 66). The mean scores (SD) in the medical, trabeculectomy, and GDD groups using NEIVFQ-25 were 68.97 (6.98), 72.83 (7.81), and 75.20 (8.77), respectively, those using GQL-15 were 20.63 (6.00), 26.23 (9.12), and 28.43 (7.74), respectively, and for the SSQ, they were 74.33 (8.75) and 72.10 (5.92) in trabeculectomy and GDD groups, respectively. NEIVFQ-25 showed a better QoL in the GDD group compared to the medical group, whereas GQL-15 showed a better QoL in the medical group and comparable QoL in trabeculectomy and GDD. Both these QoL scores correlated to the LogMAR visual acuity. SSQ scores did not show a significant difference in the QoL across both surgical groups. NEIVFQ-25 questionnaire scores provided a holistic measure of QoL. GQL-15 assessed the activity limitation and visual disability of the patients but did not take into account the general health and psychological factors influencing the QoL. We did not find a significant difference between trabeculectomy and GDD using the SSQ. For QoL assessment in medically or surgically treated glaucoma, vision-specific and disease-specific questionnaires should always be used in conjunction.

Safety and efficacy of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in refractory glaucoma: A prospective study.

This study was conducted to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative complications following a non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery in refractory glaucoma. This was a prospective interventional study conducted on patients with glaucoma refractory to maximal medications or failed surgical treatment who underwent Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI; Aurolabs, India) surgery. Primary outcome measures were IOP control, postoperative complications, and reduction in the number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM). Thirty-four eyes were analyzed and the mean follow-up was 16.06 ± 5.63 months. The preoperative median (Q1, Q3) IOP was 31 mmHg (28, 36.5) which decreased to 12 mmHg (12, 14) at 6 months postoperatively. The median (Q1, Q3) number of AGMs decreased from 3 (3, 4) to 0 (0, 1). Significant complications like implant extrusion and tube exposure were noted in two eyes. The total success and failure rates at 6 months were 91.1% and 8.8%, respectively. AADI is effective in achieving target IOP and significantly reduces the use of AGMs with good safety in the short term. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess long-term IOP control and cost-effectiveness.

The "Three Cherries Technique" for glaucoma drainage devices

Small sponges are used to apply antimetabolites in order to reduce the risk of fibrosis in filtering glaucoma surgery. Due to the posterior location of the filtering bleb in glaucoma drainage implants, there is arisk that the sponges can dislocate in this area and cannot be retrieved after the exposure time has elapsed. We use the "three cherries technique" to minimize the risk. The term "three cherries technique" was coined by us and has not been used before in the literature. The three sponges that are used for mitomycinC application are each connected by single button sutures with a7.0 vicryl thread. At the end of the application time, the sponges can be quickly removed by pulling the thread.

Cytokines Associated With Onset of a Hypertensive Phase and Surgical Failure After Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation

To investigate the relationship between cytokines of the aqueous humor or Tenon capsule, the onset of a hypertensive phase, and surgical failure in patients undergoing Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation DESIGN: Prospective clinical cohort study. A total of 36 patients who underwent AGV implantation were included. Samples of aqueous humor and Tenon tissue were collected at the time of surgery. Multiple cytokines were evaluated in the samples using a bead-based multiplex cytokine assay. As for surgical outcomes, a hypertensive phase was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of greater than 21 mm Hg within 3 months after surgery, whereas surgical failure was defined as an IOP greater than 21 mm Hg with maximum tolerable glaucoma medications during 2 consecutive visits. Patients who entered a hypertensive phase showed higher transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) levels in the aqueous humor (P=.012). A longer axial length and higher TGF-β2 concentration of the aqueous humor were associated with higher maximum IOP values during 3 months after surgery per multiple regression analysis (P=.028 and P=.034). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, higher monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations in the aqueous humor and higher interleukin-4 concentrations in Tenon tissue were related to surgical failure (P=.022 and P=.040). Greater concentrations of TGF-β2 and MCP-1 were related to surgical outcome after glaucoma drainage device implantation. Further studies are needed to confirm that down-regulation of these cytokines could be helpful in improving surgical outcomes.

Risk factors and management of choroidal effusions.

Choroidal effusions are recognized as a common early postoperative complication of glaucoma surgery, and although often benign, they may cause significant ocular morbidity. This article aims to summarize current research on the risk factors and management of choroidal effusions. Glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation and trabeculectomy are the most commonly performed surgeries for the management of moderate to severe glaucoma. Common postoperative complications of these procedures include hypotony and the development of choroidal effusions. Choroidal effusions have recently been associated with the oral administration of certain drugs, including select monoclonal antibody, antiseizure and bisphosphonate medications. Risk factors for effusion development include specific patient characteristics such as pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, older age and hypertension. Although choroidal effusions typically resolve with medical therapy alone, surgical intervention may be required. Various methods of surgical intervention, such as surgical drainage or GDD tube ligation, can be utilized to treat choroidal effusions when conservative management with medical treatment fails, but themselves carry alternative risks that must be considered. Minimizing the incidence and duration of hypotony following ophthalmic surgery and careful monitoring of patients starting certain oral medications are important in limiting the occurrence of choroidal effusions. Risk factors for choroidal effusions have been recently identified in the literature. A better understanding of these risk factors, as well as the outcomes of choroidal effusion management, can help to reduce the occurrence of effusions overall and minimize ocular morbidity.

Insights and future directions for the application of perinatal derivatives in eye diseases: A critical review of preclinical and clinical studies

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are gaining interest as a source for cell-based therapies. Since the eye is easily accessible to local administration, eye diseases may be excellent candidates to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches. With this work, we performed a systematic review of published preclinical and clinical studies addressing PnD in the treatment of ocular diseases. We have set two specific objectives: (i) to investigate the current level of standardization in applied technical procedures in preclinical studies and (ii) to assess clinical efficacy in clinical trials. Hereto, we selected studies that applied amniotic membrane (hAM) and mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amniotic membrane (hAMSC), placenta (hPMSC), umbilical cord (hUC-MSC) and Wharton's Jelly (hUC-WJ-MSC), excluding those where cells were not transplanted individually, following a systematic PubMed search for preclinical studies and consultation of clinical studies on https://clinicaltrials.gov and https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/. Our bibliographic search retrieved 26 pre-clinical studies and 27 clinical trials. There was a considerable overlap regarding targeted ocular structures. Another common feature is the marked tendency towards (i) locally administered treatments and (ii) the PnD type. In the cornea/ocular surface, hAM was preferred and usually applied directly covering the ocular surface. For neuroretinal disorders, intra-ocular injection of umbilical or placental-derived cells was preferred. In general, basic research reported favourable outcomes. However, due to lack of standardization between different studies, until now there is no clear consensus regarding the fate of administered PnD or their mode of action. This might be accountable for the low index of clinical translation. Regarding clinical trials, only a minority provided results and a considerable proportion is in "unknown status". Nevertheless, from the limited clinical evidence available, hAM proved beneficial in the symptomatic relief of bullous keratopathy, treating dry eye disease and preventing glaucoma drainage device tube exposure. Regarding neuroretinal diseases, application of Wharton's Jelly MSC seems to become a promising future approach. In conclusion, PnD-based therapies seem to be beneficial in the treatment of several ocular diseases. However, much is yet to be done both in the pre-clinical and in the clinical setting before they can be included in the daily ophthalmic practice.

Describing Adverse Events Associated with Bilateral Same-Day Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants.

To explore the incidence of adverse events after bilateral same-day intravitreal 0.7-mg dexamethasone implant (SDIDI) injections. We performed an IRB approved, single-center, retrospective review of patients receiving bilateral SDIDI injections from January 1, 2016 to October 31, 2021 and reviewed adverse events that occurred within 3 months of injection. A total of 206 bilateral (412 eyes) SDIDI injections were performed in 59 patients. Ocular hypertension or the addition of intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering drops occurred in 121 (29.4%) eyes after IDI. Two (0.5%) eyes required glaucoma drainage surgeries. Of the 117 phakic eyes, 32 (27.4%) had progression of cataract or cataract extraction. There were two (0.5%) episodes of vitreous hemorrhage and one (0.2%) retinal tear with retinal detachment. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. Serious complication rates after bilateral same-day IDI injections appears low. Increased IOP that requires intervention can occur. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2022;53:612-618.].

PREVALENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, AND OUTCOMES OF RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT IN EYES WITH TRABECULECTOMY OR GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE DEVICES.

To describe the prevalence, management, and outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after incisional glaucoma filtering surgery. All patients with a history of trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage device surgery who were subsequently diagnosed with an RRD from January 1, 2016, to January 1, 2021, at the Wills Eye Hospital were identified. Forty-six eyes met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 60.7 ± 19.6 years, and 15 patients (32.6%) were female. Of all eyes, 34 (73.9%) were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma. The mean time from most recent incisional glaucoma surgery to RRD diagnosis was 1,133 ± 1,644 days. There were 19 eyes (41.3%) with preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (9 eyes [19.6%] with Grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy) and 35 eyes (76.1%) had macula-off RRD at the time of presentation. At RRD presentation, 4 eyes (8.7%) had concomitant endophthalmitis, 5 (10.9%) had concurrent choroidal detachment, and 2 (4.7%) had concurrent vitreous hemorrhage. Primary vitrectomy was performed in most (91.3%) cases. Silicone oil tamponade was often required (71.1%). The single surgery success rate was 65.2% (30 of 46). The mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 1.72 ± 0.78 (Snellen acuity 20/1,050), and the mean final postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution was 1.59 ± 0.89 (20/778, P = 0.2853). Of glaucoma surgeries performed, the 5-year prevalence of RRD was 0.71% (26 of 3,664, 95% Poisson confidence interval 0.48%-1.04%). The 5-year prevalence of RRDs after trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage device was 0.71%. Most patients presented with macula-involving detachments, often with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Anatomical and visual outcomes were poor.

Glaucoma Drainage Device Erosions in Patients Receiving Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy.

To determine if intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections are associated with an increased risk of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) erosions. A retrospective chart review was conducted including patients with diabetic retinopathy and had a GDD implanted at a large academic institution. The rate of GDD erosions was compared between eyes that did or did not receive intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. A subanalysis was also performed the relationship between diabetic macular edema (DME) and intravitreal steroid injections and GDD erosions. A total of 677 eyes from 608 patients was included. A total of 447 eyes received at least one anti-VEGF injection; 230 eyes never received such therapy. Twenty eyes (4.5%) receiving anti-VEGF had at least one erosion event, compared to 7 eyes (3.0%) of patients not receiving anti-VEGF therapy (OR 1.49, p=0.37). Diabetic macular edema was associated with a significantly increased rate of erosion in eyes not receiving anti-VEGF (71.4% versus 31.4%, p=0.034), but not in eyes receiving anti-VEGF (30.0% versus 40.7%, p=0.34). Receiving more than one specific anti-VEGF agent, an increased frequency or total number of anti-VEGF injections, or receiving intravitreal steroids were not associated with an increased risk of erosion (p>0.05). In patients with diabetic retinopathy, the use of anti-VEGF does not result in an increased rate of GDD erosions or recurrent erosions. Further research is needed over a longer follow-up period to determine if longer or more frequent anti-VEGF treatment is a risk factor for recurrent erosions.

Defining the role of ab externo Xen gel stent in glaucomatous eyes with prior failed surgical intervention

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xen45 Gel stent (Xen; Allergan) in eyes that have failed prior surgical intervention, compared to traditional glaucoma drainage device (GDD) or continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). Since this population has low expected success rates with additional surgery, it is vital to compare to standard-of-care surgical options.MethodsRetrospective, single-center, case–control study of ab externo transconjunctival Xen shunt in eyes that have previously undergone trabeculectomy and/or GDD surgery. Postoperative data were collected for 18 months. Failure was defined as no light perception, additional glaucoma surgery required, or intraocular pressure (IOP) of < 6 mmHg after 6 weeks postoperatively.ResultsEighteen Xen eyes and 36 control eyes matched on both glaucoma type and previous glaucoma surgeries were included. Seventy-two percent had primary open angle glaucoma, 11% uveitic, 6% primary angle closure, 6% pseudoexfoliation, and 6% pigmentary glaucoma. Fifty-six percent of eyes in each group had prior trabeculectomy, 28% of Xen and 31% of control eyes had prior GDD, and 17% of Xen and 14% of control eyes had both. Baseline medicated IOP was lower in the Xen group (21.8 ± 7.2) compared to controls (27.5 ± 9.4, P = 0.043). The cumulative failure rate at year 1 was 17% for Xen and 20% for controls (P = 0.57). Mean survival time was 14.1 (± 1.5) months and 11.4 (± 0.6) months for controls. There was no difference in minor complication rates between groups (P = 0.65), but the Xen group had a significantly lower rate of serious complications (P = 0.043) defined as vision threatening or requiring surgical intervention in the operating room. When censored for additional glaucoma procedures, there were no differences at year 1 in IOP, change in IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, or number of medications reduced from baseline.ConclusionsThe Xen shunt provides a reasonable alternative to current standard of care, with a similar failure rate at year 1, with a noninferior IOP reduction compared to GDD and CPC, and a preferred safety profile.

Comparing Surgical and Clinical Success Rates of Ahmed FP7, and Baerveldt 250 and Baerveldt 350 Glaucoma Drainage Devices.

Surgical and clinical success rates were similar among Ahmed FP7, and Baerveldt 250 and 350 glaucoma drainage devices at three years. To compare rates of surgical and clinical success in patients with Ahmed FP7 (FP7), Baerveldt 250 (B250), or Baerveldt 350 (B350) glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs). A retrospective cohort study. A total of 157 eyes of 129 adult patients with FP7, B250, B350 GDDs, and 190 eyes of 99 medically controlled glaucoma patients were enrolled at a tertiary care institution from August 2017 through July 2019. They were followed through April 2020. The main outcome measures included surgical and clinical failure. Surgical failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) outside 5-21mmHg, IOP reduced <20% below baseline, additional glaucoma surgery, GDD removal, or no light perception. Eyes that did not meet their goal IOP ranges or required secondary glaucoma interventions were deemed clinical failures. A total of 43 (12.4%) FP7, 36 (10.4%) B250, 78 (22.5%) B350, and 190 (54.8%) medically treated control eyes were enrolled. By the postoperative year 3 visit, 10 (23.2%) FP7, 11 (30.6%) B250, and 32 (41.0%) B350 eyes had met a surgical failure criterion ( P =0.127). There were no significant differences in the numbers of eyes meeting their IOP target ranges ( P =0.510), and rates of secondary glaucoma surgeries ( P =0.270). Overall clinical success was attained among 83.3% FP7, 81.8% B250, and 68.0% B350 eyes ( P =0.447). The GDD groups were similar in their rates of success, based on both the surgical and clinical success definitions.

Outcomes of inferonasal glaucoma drainage device surgery in the management of childhood glaucoma

To evaluate indications and postoperative outcomes of inferonasal Ahmed and Baerveldt glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) in pediatric glaucoma. This retrospective study included patients ≤18 years of age at inferonasal GDD placement, from June 2013 to September 2021. Demographic information, indications, and outcomes were recorded. Successful eyes had intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥5 and ≤21 mm Hg or (in severe cases, where entry IOP was ≤21 mm Hg) 20% below preoperative values without additional IOP-lowering surgery or vision-threatening complications. A total of 68 eyes of 52 patients were included. Mean age was 9.8 ± 5.8 years. Most common diagnoses included primary congenital glaucoma (n = 28 eyes [41%]) and glaucoma following cataract surgery (n = 12 eyes [18%]). Success rates by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (95% CI) at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 62.2% (49.4-72.7), 49.0% (36.3-60.6), 36.8% (24.0-49.8), and 31.9% (18.5-44.5), respectively. Surgical failure was associated with Ahmed (vs Baerveldt) GDD (HR = 3.2; P = 0.002) and inferonasal site as initial (vs subsequent) GDD received (HR = 2.2; P = 0.048). Twenty-five eyes (36.7%) had at least one complication. Although vision-threatening complications were uncommon (n = 2 eyes [3%]), less severe complications were relatively common and included new/worsened strabismus (n = 9 patients [17%]), corneal edema (n = 6 eyes [9%]), lens opacities (n = 4 [6%]), tube or patch graft exposure (n = 3 [4%]), tube blockage (n = 2 eyes [3%]), and other (n = 8 eyes [12%]). In this study cohort, inferonasal GDDs for childhood glaucoma had modest success, with frequent though rarely vision-threatening complications.