Glaucoma drainage tubes--their role in glaucoma management.

The results are presented from 100 eyes operated upon with either the ACTSEB procedure or a one piece tube and plate that have been followed for greater than 12 months. An intraocular pressure control was considered 'successful' if less than 21 mm Hg. The success varied according to the diagnostic category and its type of operation. One third of the total group did not require antiglaucomatous medications. Higher success rates were found in the one piece than the ACTSEB procedure. Overall success rates at 18 months per diagnostic group ranged between 41% in the neovascular glaucomas to 83% in the chronic simple glaucomas.