Long-term results of glaucoma drainage device surgery

• Main Authors: Konstantine Purtskhvanidze, Mark Saeger, Felix Treumer, Johann Roider, Bernhard Nölle
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2019-01-01
• Series: BMC Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Ahmed valve; Baerveldt implant; Glaucoma surgery; Glaucoma drainage device; IOP control
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12886-019-1027-z

Abstract Background To evaluate long-term results of eyes with glaucoma drainage device (GDD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients who underwent GDD placement at our institution between 2001 and 2014. A total of 110 eyes of 90 patients were studied. Glaucoma outcome was assessed by postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, and need for further glaucoma surgery. Surgical procedures before and during the study period, and their complications were evaluated. Results The mean follow-up was 78.3 ± 44.0 months. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 30.8 ± 6.9 mmHg with 3.5 ± 1.1 glaucoma medications. At last postoperative follow-up, the mean IOP decreased to 14.3 ± 5.4 mmHg with 1.6 ± 1.5 glaucoma medications. GDD implantation successfully controlled glaucoma in 86, 85, 81, 78, 79, 76 and 73% of eyes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 years, respectively. At last follow-up IOP was successfully controlled in 67% of eyes. Clinical complications occurred in 56.4% of eyes during the follow-up period. Conclusions A glaucoma drainage device can successfully control intractable glaucoma even after a very long period of time.