Baerveldt implant in refractory glaucoma: long-term results and factors influencing outcome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who received a Baerveldt implant for refractory glaucoma and to identify factors which may influence the outcome.

METHODS:

Retrospective study including 51 eyes of 51 patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma who underwent Baerveldt implant surgery between June 1994 and December 1998. Criteria for success were intraocular pressure (IOP) < or = 21 mmHg and > 6 mmHg, necessity of further antiglaucoma medications, absence of additional glaucoma surgery and no loss of light perception.

RESULTS:

Over a mean follow-up of 37.6 (SD: +/-18.8) months, the mean intraocular pressure decreased from 34.8 (+/-12.5) mmHg to 14.0 (+/-4.3) mmHg at month 60. Qualified success rate, achieved when IOP was below 21 mmHg and higher than 6 mmHg with medications was 25/48 (52%), complete success rate (same IOP limits without medication) was 14/48 (29%). Seven eyes had major complications or lost light perception. Postoperative visual acuity improved or remained within one Snellen line of the preoperative visual acuity in 35 patients (73%). Factors associated with a better prognosis were a preoperative visual acuity better than 20/400 and etiology of glaucoma.

CONCLUSION:

The Baerveldt implant is effective in lowering intraocular pressure in most patients with refractory glaucoma. Long-term results are promising with satisfactory IOP control.

• Authors: S Roy, E Ravinet, A Mermoud
• Journal: International ophthalmology (Int Ophthalmol) Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 93-100 ( 2001) ISSN: 0165-5701 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12201350 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Antihypertensive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Equipment Failure Analysis
• Female
• Glaucoma (surgery)
• Glaucoma Drainage Implants
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Prognosis
• Retrospective Studies
• Safety
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity